17 Apr 2024
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
CNRS UMR 5503- Research Field
Chemistry
Engineering » Process engineering
Physics- Researcher Profile
Recognised Researcher (R2)
Leading Researcher (R4)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Established Researcher (R3)- Country
France- Application Deadline
16 May 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 2024- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Context
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a particular organic nanocomposite came to light: the lipoplex, a hundred nm particle made up of a core of mRNA condensed by a cationic lipid and surrounded by a lipid shell. This complex architecture is formed by three initial assembly mechanisms (Ouzo effect, amphiphilic self-assembly, ionic complexation). However, a purification step is required to remove solvent & impurities and modify pH and ionic strength. These compositional changes can induce a significant response in the structure of the objects, the impact of which is currently unknown in the literature. However, the structure determines the efficacy and toxicity of these objects, and must be controlled.
Strategy
We propose to develop an instrumented diafiltration (continuous flow dialysis) process, enabling us to study the impact of a change in composition on the nanostructure of lipoplexes. The tandem of microfluidic and millifluidic scales will enable us to benefit from their respective advantages: in situ characterization, frugal multiparametric exploration for microfluidics, production and industrial scale-up for millifluidics. Radiation scattering techniques (X-rays, neutrons) will be used to characterize objects. In particular, this approach will enable us to understand the relationship between the composition (presence of solvent, pH, salinity) and structure of nano-objects. More generally, this new approach will enable us to study dynamically the response of a dispersed system to a change in its continuous phase, opening the way to a better understanding of assembly mechanisms.
Environment
The thesis will be carried out at the Toulouse Chemical Engineering Center in the complex fluids & colloids team, which has around twenty members, in a multidisciplinary, varied and collaborative environment. The thesis is funded by a single-team ANR project designed to promote internal collaborations within a research team, where you will benefit from sustained and diversified supervision to train you in research. Other parts are open to applications (thesis + post-doctorate).
Conditions
A 3-year fixed-term contract will be established to carry out this thesis, ideally starting in October 2024. Net salary approx. 1600 euros.
Profile
In addition to curiosity and motivation to lead a research project, skills in micro or millifluidics and/or physical chemistry and/or radiation scattering will be particularly appreciated.
Contact
Main supervision: Dr. Yannick Hallez, Dr. Isaac Rodriguez-Ruiz
Project leader and first contact: Dr. Kevin Roger, CNRS researcher
Funding category: Autre financement public
ANR Prosalide
PHD title: Doctorat de procédés physico-chimiques
PHD Country: France
Requirements
Specific Requirements
Chimie, Nanochimie, Procédés
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- CNRS UMR 5503
- Country
- France
- City
- Toulouse
- Geofield
Where to apply
- Website
https://www.abg.asso.fr/fr/candidatOffres/show/id_offre/122951
Contact
- Website
https://lgc.cnrs.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED