A 2-year postdoctoral position is available to investigate the chemistry behind biological N2-fixation. The project is part of a scientific European consortium gathering multidisciplinary experts devoted to understanding the principle of enzymatic N2-reduction to inspire synthetic chemistry. The position will be hosted in the newly established Microbial Metabolism team, with a preferred starting date of early summer 2025.

Working on hyperthermophiles from the archaeal realm unlocks new models to characterize metalloenzymes capable of outstanding chemistry. Their extremely slow catalytic rates under standard temperatures allow to catch them in action. Based on robust and reproducible preliminary work, the candidate will dissect a hyperthermostable nitrogenase from a methanogenic archaeon through cryo-trapping, cutting-edge structural methods developed at the synchrotron, and anaerobic biochemistry. By being at the center of the consortium offering state-of-the-art genetic manipulation, enzymology, spectroscopies, computational modeling, and synthetic chemistry, the candidate will deliver structural insights on reconstituted and engineered semi-synthetic nitrogenases provided by partners. The long-term goal of the study is to generate synthetic models improving manmade catalysts for N2-fixation based on snapshots derived from the nitrogenase trapped at different catalytic stages.

The hosting group has a long-standing expertise in methanogenic archaea, capable of going from their culture to the structural description of their native metalloenzymes. For this, the new laboratory will be equipped with five glove boxes before April 2025. This facility will contain state-of-the-art equipment to purify, crystallize, and characterize O2-sensitive enzymes. Collaboration at the IBS and within the consortium will allow the candidate to access new structural methodologies and an advanced set of experimental tools to uniquely describe all the facets of nitrogenases, including the one coming from a deep-sea volcano.

Selected publication.

On N2-fixation in methanogen:

Maslać et al. mBio. 2022. 10.1128/mbio.02443-22.

Maslać et al. FEBS J. 2024. 10.1111/febs.17148

Our philosophy of exploring metabolism through structural work:

Jespersen and Wagner. Nat Microbiol. 2023. 10.1038/s41564-023-01398-8.

Lemaire et al. Nat Commun. 2024. 10.1038/s41467-024-53338-7.

And publication within colleagues from the consortium:

Sahin et al. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2023. 10.1002/anie.202311981.

Cadoux C et al. JACS Au. 2023. 10.1021/jacsau.3c00567

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biochemistry and 0-3 years' experience in structural biology, particularly X-ray crystallography. Candidates with experience in anaerobic manipulation, from microbial production to crystallization, are encouraged to apply and will be treated as a priority. Cultivation of anaerobic microbes and knowledge of native purification are welcomed but not mandatory. Interest in metalloenzymes, extremozymes, and reaction mechanisms will be advantageous.

Due to the nature of the consortium, the candidate must be highly motivated, open-minded, and have strong communication skills in English. Moreover, the talented candidate will work in a collaborative and respectful environment thrived by an enthusiastic multidisciplinary group of top scientists.

In accordance with the commitments made by the CEA in favor of integrating people with disabilities, this position is open to everyone.