Missions

This project is part of a research program dedicated to optimizing prodrugs of the 3-benzylmenadione series, various representatives of which have antiparasitic properties. The objectives are based on the development of methodologies enabling the introduction of groups that improve the bioavailability of innovative lead structures, the direct functionalization of the starting skeleton, and the construction of substituted heterocyclic molecules by palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-type coupling and Miyaura borylation. The candidate will be responsible for experimental work in organic chemistry, characterization and analysis (NMR, HPLC, etc.), and writing scientific reports. They will benefit from an international research environment (industrial and academic) as part of a European EIC PathFinder Open project funded by the European Commission.

Activities

Development of original methodologies to overcome synthetic barriers and synthesize a library of prodrugs derived from various antiparasitic lead compounds.
- Experimental work in organic and/or analytical chemistry.
- Analyses (NMR, HPLC, etc.), structure-activity relationships.
- Writing scientific reports and publications in English.
- A B2 level in English is required for this position.

Skills

The IR candidate must have:
- a PhD in organic chemistry,
- solid knowledge of organic synthesis and synthesis methodology, and
- knowledge of medicinal chemistry.
Proven experience in boron chemistry will be a key asset in the recruitment process. We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated candidate in synthetic chemistry who will be committed to the project. In addition, the candidate must have good communication skills (collaborative work and regular exchanges with the five teams in the consortium) and be a good team player.

Work Context

The selected candidate will work in the Bio(IN)organic and Medicinal Chemistry (CBM) team at the Laboratory for Molecular Innovation and Applications (LIMA), UMR 7042 CNRS-Universities of Strasbourg and Haute-Alsace, headed by Dr. Elisabeth Davioud-Charvet and Dr. Mourad Elhabiri. This team develops projects in redox medicinal chemistry to combat several pathogenic parasites in humans and animals and designs fluorogenic prodrugs for imaging. The team is backed by a physico-chemistry research platform supported by a research engineer. In addition to the two CNRS research directors, the group includes two PhD students, four postdoctoral researchers, and four to five Master's students. The LIMA laboratory is located at the School of Polymer Chemistry and Materials (ECPM) in Strasbourg, France. The successful candidate will work with students and postdoctoral researchers under the supervision of the project leader (Dr. Elisabeth Davioud-Charvet, CNRS Research Director).
His or her research work will focus on developing new transformations of the starting material and devising new strategies for synthesizing heterocyclic molecules of interest in order to significantly improve their pharmacokinetic properties. The strengths of the CBM team lie in the complementary skills at the interface of chemistry/enzymology/physicochemistry within the team, the diversity of the teams and expertise that make up the LIMA unit, the international recognition of the team and LIMA, the numerous academic and industrial collaborations, and the technological development, innovation, and transfer activities within the framework of the European EIC PathFinder Open program.
The CNRS Cronenbourg Campus is located in a green setting and is easily accessible by public transportation. The selected candidate will have access to a nearby staff restaurant at a rate subsidized by CNRS-Alsace, partial coverage of transportation costs, employee benefits, and a works council.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Standard safety rules for organic chemistry. Training in specific laboratory rules will be provided. Short trips within France and abroad (Belgium, Switzerland) will be required for meetings with European partners in the EIC PathFinder Open project.

Additional Information

Applications must include the following:
- A detailed CV including at least two references who can be contacted.
- Master's degree grades or doctoral degree title, and a cover letter.
- A summary of no more than five pages detailing previous research experience.