PhD offer: “design of in vivo self-assembled gold nanoclusters for biophotonic applications”

Atomically precise metal (gold, silver, platinum) clusters represent a promising family of ultrasmall

theranostic agents for the diagnostic and the treatment of many diseases such as cancer,

neurological or cardio-vascular pathologies. One of the unique properties of these agents is

based on the strong photo-physical changes when they self-assemble which can be exploited to

monitor them at the cellular and animal levels.

In the SEQUOIA project funded by the ANR, we intend to design in vivo controlled assemblies

of atomically precise gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) using short polymer chains and to investigate

the structural and photophysical properties of these new nanosystems in solution, in

microfluidic devices and in mice models.

In this context, the work of the PhD student will encompass the preparation of AuNCs and the

generation of Au NC assembly with polymers by click chemistry. Morphology, size and optical

properties will be assessed by spectroscopic and microscopy techniques in solution and on solid

surface. The formation, the localization and the fate of such self-assemblies will be then

investigated in cellular environment using advanced optical microscopy instruments. Based on

the results, a microfluidic device mimicking the blood vessels will be used to validate the ability

to generate the self-assembly of the AuNCs specifically on endothelial cells under flow.

The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment with chemists, biologists and

engineers. The PhD thesis is taking place at Chimie du Département Moléculaire (University

of Grenoble Alpes) for the chemistry side and the Institute for Advanced Biosciences for the

biological side both located at closed distance in Grenoble (France).

Duration: 3 years Starting date: January 2023 Location: Grenoble, France

Applicant profile:

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic student that should have background in fields

related to nanochemistry/biotechnology. Skills in spectroscopy, surface sensing and bioimaging

will be a plus but is not mandatory.

Application:

The candidate should send a cover letter, Cv, grade transcripts, and recommendation letters to

Dr. Jean-luc Coll, Dr. Didier Boturyn, and Dr. Xavier Le Guével.

If you have any further question, do not hesitate to contact us:

Jean-luc Coll : [email protected]

Didier Boturyn : [email protected]

Xavier Le Guével : [email protected]