Diatom-inspired structuration of inorganic matter

Job Details

Organisation/Company: Chemistry laboratory ENS de Lyon

Research Field: Materials technology Chemistry Researcher

Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3)

Country: France

Application Deadline: 30 Aug 2026 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer

Starting Date: 1 Sep 2029

Funded by EU Research Framework Programme: Not funded by a EU programme

Related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure: No

Offer Description Diatom-inspired structuration of inorganic matter

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. project aims to develop bioinspired strategies for the hierarchical structuration of inorganic materials, taking inspiration from the extraordinary nanostructures formed by diatoms. The successful candidate will use model soft matter systems—such as phospholipid bilayers and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)—to investigate how lipid membrane organization and biomineralization peptides control the formation of inorganic materials like silica, titania, and gold. By combining tools from materials chemistry, soft matter physics, and bioinspired nanoscience, this work seeks to pioneer new routes for bottom‑up control of nanostructure and morphology in inorganic materials.

Diatoms are single‑cell photosynthetic organisms that feature an exterior wall of structured silica (frustule). The complexity, variety, and reproducibility seen in the meso‑ and nanostructuration of various diatom species' frustules is much better than any synthetic approach currently used in materials science. Frustules are created in organelles called silica deposition vesicles (SDVs). Recent results suggest that the membrane of the SDV plays an important role in mediating the growth and structuration of diatom frustules.[1]

Responsibilities

Investigate interactions between self‑assembled phospholipid systems and inorganic precursors.

Explore templating of silica condensation by phase‑segregated lipid bilayers and GUVs.

Integrate biomineralization peptides into lipid systems to drive spatially controlled mineralization.

Extend the approach to other inorganic materials.

Skills and Experience The student will gain experience in: Langmuir‑Blodgett film deposition and vesicle preparation, fluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), NMR spectroscopy, and optical spectroscopy, sol‑gel synthesis and bioinspired mineralization methods, data analysis, scientific communication, and collaboration within an international research environment.

Funding Funding category: Financement public/privé

ANR JCJC project “Structure” (Grant No. ANR-25-CE09-3432)

PHD title: Doctorat de Chimie

PHD Country: France

Qualifications

Strong background (Masters degree or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, or materials science.

Keen interest in studying bio‑inspired systems and soft matter approaches to materials science.

Curiosity, creativity, and willingness to work at the interface of chemistry, biology, and physics.

Experience in materials science, self‑assembly, or membrane biophysics is a strong bonus.

Proficiency in English is preferred.

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