Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will advance an interdisciplinary project focused on the development of selective bifunctional degraders to eliminate extracellular Cathepsin D. Elevated levels of extracellular Cathepsin D contribute to pathological processes, most notably cancer progression. By targeting and degrading Cathepsin D, this project aims to establish an innovative therapeutic strategy for triple negative breast cancer, while also generating powerful research tools to precisely dissect the specific extracellular roles of Cathepsin D in cancer biology and the tumor microenvironment. This position provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery within a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

Activités

The postdoctoral researcher will be mainly responsible for:

1) Synthesis of novel Cathepsin D degraders
-Design and synthesis of bifunctional molecules integrating peptides and small-molecule scaffolds.
-Full synthetic workflow, including solution-phase peptide synthesis, solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), incorporation of non-canonical amino acids, and small-molecule synthesis.

2) Biological evaluation of degraders in TNBC cell lines
-Assessment of degradation activity (e.g., Western Blot).
-Cytotoxicity and cell viability assays.

Compétences

The ideal candidate should be highly motivated to work on a novel interdisciplinary project bridging chemistry and biology.

Qualifications and experience:
1) PhD in Chemical Biology or Organic Chemistry.
2) Strong experience in organic synthesis; expertise in peptide synthesis is highly desirable.
3) Experience in biological evaluation of biomolecules (e.g., Western Blot) and cell culture is a significant advantage.
4) Prior experience in chemical biology and targeted protein degradation is a plus.
5) Excellent command of English (spoken and written).

Personal qualities:
1) Autonomous, rigorous, and detail-oriented.
2) Team player capable of mentoring students and contributing to collaborative research.
3) Able to write scientific papers and communicate results effectively.

Contexte de travail

Type & Duration: Full-time, 18 months.
Starting Date: Flexible, between mid-January and April 2026.
Supervisor: Dr. Chiara Zanato
Location: BioCIS Laboratory (CNRS UMR 8076), Equipe de Chimie Biologie. The team specializes in the development and synthesis of bioactive molecules. Facilities include fully equipped chemistry laboratories, cell culture facilities, protein expression platforms, and access to cutting-edge technological resources. The project offers a stimulating environment to gain experience in chemical biology in a young, dynamic, and international team.

Contraintes et risques

No particular constraints or risks associated with the position.
No isolated work or weekend work required.
No night work required.