Postdoctoral position in Chemistry at the interface of synthesis / biology for the development of anticancer theranostic compounds (M/F)

19 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Chimie et Modélisation pour la Biologie du Cancer

Research Field

Chemistry
Biological sciences
Pharmacological sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

8 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 May 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

The possibility to control the activation of treatment in space and time in vivo has mobilized considerable efforts in the last 20 years. Externally triggered theranostic prodrugs are one of the most promising tools in this field. In particular, photosensitive prodrugs and nanoobjects showed great promise for spatio-temporally controlled and non-invasive activations in vivo. However, to date, most of the photosensitive systems described can only be activated by UV to near-IR lights. This limits in vivo activation to few millimetres below the skin, which hugely restrains clinical applications, mainly to ophthalmology or skin treatment. To date, there is no non-invasive approach for using light-sensitive materials in deep tissues.
The project takes part in the development of tools able to provide treatment in deep tissues in a space- and time-controlled resolution. Theranostic prodrugs detectable by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and able to be activated by radiotherapy clinical beams, will be developed. This project, based on activation techniques relying on already-available clinical infrastructures, is consistent within the perspective of future developments of molecular systems for clinical applications. The chemical (prodrug synthesis), physical (activation mechanism, ultrafast spectroscopy) and biological (cell-death mechanism, therapeutic effect) locks will be investigated. The postdoctoral researcher will join the laboratory “Chemistry and Modelling for Biology of Cancer” at Institut Curie (Orsay) in will be supervised by Dr Guillaume Bort.

The project consists in synthesizing theranostic prodrugs for cancer treatment, adapted for MRI monitoring and for activation upon radiotherapy.
Both physical and biological mechanisms leading to prodrug activation and cell toxicity respectively, will be investigated. A good expertise in synthetic organic chemistry will be valued and combined with various characterization techniques in collaboration with several groups with high expertize in physic and biology.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Synthesis of theranostic prodrug using organic and inorganic chemistry.
- Prodrug activation and assessment of photophysical properties.
- Investigation of stability/activation/diffusion in biological environments, cytotoxicity and immunogenicity.
- Bringing forward ambitious and realistic design of new compounds, synthesis pathways, characterization techniques; being proactive and taking the lead.
- Participation in the supervision of PhDs, engineers, and trainees.
- Restoring the results to collaborators and communication at international conferences, participation in writing of scientific manuscripts.

A leading player in the fight against cancer, Institut Curie brings together an internationally-renowned Research Center and an advanced Hospital Group that provides care for all types of cancer. Founded in 1909 by Marie Curie, Institut Curie comprises three sites (Paris, Saint-Cloud and Orsay), where more than 3,500 members of staff are dedicated to achieving three objectives: hospital care, scientific research, and the sharing of knowledge and the preservation of legacy. As a private foundation that is recognized as serving the public interest, Institut Curie is supported by donations and grants. This support is used to fund discoveries that will improve treatments and the quality of life of cancer patients. The successful candidate will benefit of a vibrant environment based on the pluri-disciplinary approaches and excellence offered by over 85 research groups constituting the Institut Curie.
The project related to this position is currently supported by several collaborations gathering different expertizes such as molecular observation at the attosecond-timescale resolution using ultrafast spectroscopy, in vitro and in vivo assessment of immunogenicity and therapeutic effect, and development of machine-learning algorithms and density functional theory models. The postdoctoral researcher will be at the interface of all these approaches and will have some opportunities to take part in several collaborative studies.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Pharmacological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Basic

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Pharmacological sciences

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

You should hold a PhD in organic chemistry, chemical biology or polymer chemistry. Prior experience in cell biology, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, formulation/nanoparticle and/or data analysis (Python, etc.) would be appreciated, but are not essential. We are seeking a motivated individual with well-developed scientific skills and a desire to tackle technical and scientific complex problems to potentially make breakthrough innovation in medical treatments, and with a strong interest in multidisciplinary approach. The ability to work effectively as part of a team and to perform both self-directed and guided research are required. Excellent English oral communication skills, ability to write for publication and a great team spirit are a must.
This project will give great opportunities to develop competences in organic/inorganic chemistry, physics of radiations, cell biology and associated characterization techniques. You are expected to be highly motivated to take advantages to work in a leading research environment, to benefit from a multi-collaboration context, and to potentially participate in the valorisation phases (patent, etc.) of this project.

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR9187-GUIBOR-005/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Chimie et Modélisation pour la Biologie du Cancer

Country

France

City

ORSAY

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UMR9187-GUIBOR-005/Candidater.aspx

Contact

City

ORSAY

Website

http://www.curie.fr/

STATUS: EXPIRED