Postdoctoral Researcher in Synthetic Chemistry and Bioconjugation (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

As part of an ERC Consolidator grant (the 'MuSyC' project funded by the European Commission – Grant Agreement N° 101229996) aimed at developing new antibody-drug conjugates for cancer treatment, we are seeking a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher (M/F) to join our team. The successful candidate will play a central role in project management, in liaising with partners, and in the design, production and characterisation of conjugates, which may lead to translational commercialisation activities in collaboration with the SATT Conectus (https://www.conectus.fr/). The successful candidate will be involved at every key stage of the development process, from the selection of conjugation strategies through to the analysis of finished products.
This role requires solid expertise in project management within synthetic chemistry and biomolecular chemistry. The ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment will be essential, as will knowledge of therapeutic antibodies and targeted therapies, as well as chemical bioconjugation.
This role offers the opportunity to design and actively contribute to the development of research projects with high therapeutic potential within a dynamic team, with the ultimate aim of developing new therapeutic candidates for preclinical evaluation.

Activity

• Synthesis of cytotoxic compounds: developing multi-step synthetic routes on a scale ranging from milligrams to grams; optimising the steps to maximise yields; developing synthetic chemistry aimed at functionalising these cytotoxic compounds and producing innovative linkers; producing the corresponding linker-drug conjugates.
• Practical implementation of bioconjugation: prepare reagents (solutions, buffers, etc.), carry out conjugation reactions, adjust experimental conditions and optimise yields and process reproducibility on a small- to medium-scale (up to a few milligrams).
• Purification, analysis and formulation: establishing appropriate purification and analysis protocols (SEC, HIC, IEC, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis, native MS, etc.). Formulating the conjugates under conditions compatible with their stability, storage and in vivo administration. Interpreting results and proposing improvements or modifications to the protocol.
• Documentation and reporting: drafting experimental protocols and detailed reports. Contributing to the traceability of experimental data. Presenting results at team or project meetings. Participating in the dissemination of results through publications.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Work closely with academic and industrial partners, including both chemists and biologists. Participate in strategic discussions on the design of conjugates in alignment with the project's therapeutic objectives. Monitor project progress, anticipate technical risks, and propose innovative solutions.
• Related activities: applying health and safety principles and regulations; managing reagent and consumable inventories; training and mentoring new team members or interns; industrial transfer and strategic guidance (market, therapeutic indication, entrepreneurial goals, etc.).

Your Profil

Skills

Qualifications / Skills:
• PhD in organic chemistry (synthetic chemistry, chemical biology)
• Synthetic chemistry and biomolecular chemistry: proteins, small molecules, linkers
• Chemical and enzymatic bioconjugation
• Purification (SEC, HIC, IEC) and analysis (LC-MS, UV-Vis, SDS-PAGE) of proteins
• Advanced knowledge of antibody-drug conjugates
• Proficiency in English (minimum B2 level)
Operational skills / expertise:
• Drafting reports, articles, reviews and research proposals
• Supervision of junior staff
• Rigorous execution of laboratory experiments and chemical reactions (optimisation, reproducibility, scale-up)
• Use of laboratory tools (chromatography, data analysis software, etc.)
• Critical analysis of experimental data, ability to propose experimental designs or areas for optimisation
Interpersonal skills:
• Ability to work in a team and interact with a variety of professionals (biologists, synthetic and analytical chemists, project managers)
• Willingness to learn and develop
• Scientific rigour and a sense of responsibility
• Initiative, scientific curiosity, and the ability to generate ideas
• Adaptability and the ability to manage priorities in a dynamic environment

Your Work Environment

Presentation of the research unit:
The Laboratory of Synthetic & Therapeutic Chemo-Biology (CBST, UMR7199) is located at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Strasbourg, on the Illkirch campus. The campus is easily accessible by public transport from Strasbourg or Illkirch city centre and has a university canteen, as well as several shops nearby. Our team currently comprises eight PhD and postdoctoral students and two engineers. The research areas developed within the team include bioconjugation, antibody-drug and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, targeted RNA delivery and single-cell analysis. The team has all the technical resources and collaborations necessary for the successful delivery of projects. We foster a collaborative culture, focused on innovation and the translation of innovations into concrete therapeutic solutions.
Reporting structure:
The successful candidate will report to the team leaders and will interact regularly with other team members.
Working conditions:
Occasional remote working is possible.

Constraints and risks

Handling of cytotoxic anticancer agents.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€3,071.50 to €3,501.51 for less than 2 years' experience; €4,258.37 for between 2 and 7 years' experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions