Missions

As part of the ERC SAt-Radio research programme, this position is part of the investigation of innovative methods of radiolabeling with astatine-211, particularly with a view to producing radiopharmaceuticals with better in vivo stability. The main tasks will be to design specific chelating agents for cationic species of astatine, to synthesize these compounds, and to evaluate these ligands for the complexation of astatine-211. The goal is to be able to evaluate the in vivo stability of resulting complexes in vivo.

Activités

Investigate and propose structures suitable for the complexation of astatine-211 with the support of molecular modelling carried out by our collaborators at the Ceisam laboratory (Nantes Université). Synthetize and characterize the ligands in question, evaluate their ability to bind to the cationic species of astatine-211, determine the thermodynamic complexation constants. Scale up radiolabeling to provide sufficient activity for pre-clinical testing. Write scientific reports and publications in peer reviewed journals, Communicate results internally and in conferences.

Compétences

Strong experience in organic synthesis and characterization by spectroscopy (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, UV Vis Spectrometry, IR). Strong experience in coordination chemistry. Experience in chromatography. No experience in radiochemistry required (training will be provided if needed). Ability to work in teams on multidisciplinary projects

Contexte de travail

The SAt-Radio project (Stable 211At-labelled radiopharmaceuticals for targeted α therapy) was funded for 5 years from October 2023 by the European Research Council (ERC) within the Nuclear Oncology Team. The research on astatine-211 conducted over the past 10 years has positioned the team as a major global player in radiolabeling chemistry with this chemical element of growing interest. The nuclear oncology team develops the modalities of diagnosis and therapy of cancers through the development of radiopharmaceuticals. It brings together a wide range of skills, from physics and medicine to chemistry, radiopharmacy and biology, for a total of about 50 people. It is one of the few teams in France to use alpha-emitting radioisotopes. The group of chemists currently consists of one research director, one research scientist, one assistant professor, two doctoral students, one post-doctoral student, and four engineers, all organic chemists by training. They develop the precursors necessary for the introduction of radionuclides into the biological vectors of interest to the team. This team is part of the Nantes-Angers Cancer and Integrated Immunology Research Centre, made up of 12 teams dedicated to cancer research. This research project will be carried out in close collaboration with Dr. Nicolas Galland of the CEISAM laboratory (Nantes) for the molecular modelling aspects, and with Dr. Gilles Montavon (Subatech, Nantes) for the analytical radiochemistry aspects.

Contraintes et risques

Most of the work involves organic synthesis and all the risks associated with handling chemicals. A second risk is the radioactive risk, a part of the work involving the handling of astatine-211, which emits alpha particles. Specific radiation protection training will be given to the recruited candidate upon arrival. A constraint associated with the project is the shift work associated with the experiments with astatine-211. Since this isotope has a relatively short half-life (7.2 h), a maximum number of experiments are carried out as soon as it is delivered, which may lead to experiments in the evening.