MSCA-PF: Development of a New Generation of Artificial Biocatalysts

The Biotransformation and Bioactive Molecules Research Group (IQAC-CSIC) is looking for candidates interested in submitting a proposal for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (MSCA-PF). The proposed research should be aligned with the group’s interests in the area of the development of a new generation of artificial biocatalysts for two strategic reactions in organic synthesis, C-C and C-N bond formation reactions.

THE PROJECT

The core aim of the project is the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) for applications in biocatalysis. A structure-based design strategy will be employed, integrating insights from multiple techniques to guide the iterative optimization of ArMs. These include biophysical methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and/or X-ray crystallography, as well as cutting-edge bioinformatics tools powered by artificial intelligence. The resulting biocatalysts will be applied to the stereoselective formation of carbon–carbon (C–C) and carbonnitrogen (C–N) bonds. The project will also explore substrate scope and reaction mechanisms, which will require the chemical synthesis and detailed characterization of enzyme ligands—including substrates, intermediates, products, and reference compounds. The project will be carried out within a multidisciplinary team comprising computational and synthetic chemists, molecular biologists, and NMR spectroscopists.

THE GROUP

The Biotransformation and Bioactive Molecules group works at the intersection of chemistry and biology, using a mix of computer modelling, chemical synthesis, molecular biology, and cell biology. Our goal is to develop and improve biocatalysts—enzymes that help carry out chemical reactions—especially for making carbon–carbon (C–C) and carbon–nitrogen (C–N) bonds, which are important in many valuable molecules. We focus on three main areas:

• Creating more cost-effective and environmentally friendly chemical processes.

• Producing new types of molecules that could be useful in drug discovery.

• Engineering enzymes to make them more versatile, selective, and efficient—even for reactions they don’t normally perform.

Our research combines lab work with computer-based tools to better understand how enzymes work and how to improve them through protein engineering.

We’re looking for strong candidates who:

✔️ Hold a PhD (max. 8 years post-PhD experience).

✔️ Have not lived in Spain >12 months in the past 3 years.

✔️ Have experience in molecular biology, including recombinant protein production and purification, and at least one of the following methodologies: (whole-cell biocatalysis, protein SAXS and/or X-ray crystallography, computational tools).

Hosting supervisor: Dr. Yolanda Pérez