PhD position: Janus nanorods by supramolecular self-assembly of polymers in solution for biological applications

27 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans

Department

Chemistry

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

31 May 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)

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

We have very recently proposed an original strategy to prepare Janus nanorods (JNR) by supramolecular self-assembly in solution of two different polymers bearing complementary hydrogen bonding units. The hydrogen bonding units have been designed not only to drive the self-assembly into one-dimensional structures (nanorods), but also to force each polymer on either-side of the rods (Janus character) independently of the chemical structure of the polymer arms.

Although this strategy has been proven successful, its full potential is far from being explored and many questions remain. For that reason, the objective of this PhD will be to:

- Explore the role of the preparation process on the characteristics of new biocompatible JNR (length, diameter, dispersity) and determine the mechanism by which the JNR are formed in solution through hydrogen bonding.

- Investigate how changing the chemical structure, functionality and molar mass of the polymers affects their characteristics (length, diameter, dispersity, and functionality)

- Investigate the adhesion and responsiveness of JNR onto polysaccharide matrices since JNR will be used as double-sided nano-tapes for cell and organoid culture.

For that purpose, state-of-the art physico-chemical characterization techniques of polymers will be used including: light, X-ray and neutron scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy (also in cryo-mode), UV-Vis, DOSY/NOESY NMR spectroscopy and QCM-D in particular. The PhD will also have the opportunity to visit the other partners’ laboratories to get some knowledge about the scientific expertise of the other partners.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Polymer scientist and/or physical chemist having an interest in the characterization of polymer supramolecular self-assemblies in solution.

Experience in light, X-ray or neutron scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy, or supramolecular self-assembly would be an asset.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Additional comments

Acquired financial support: French National Research Agency ANR-PRC 2023-2027

Salary: 1400-1600 euros / month

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Le Mans

Website

http://immm.univ-lemans.fr

Street

Avenue Olivier Messiaen

Postal Code

72085

STATUS: EXPIRED