Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in Mass Spectrometry-Based Structural Characterization of Antibody-Radionuclide-Drug Conjugates (ARDCs)

Job Description

Missions

The main mission of the postdoctoral researcher will be to develop, optimize and apply advanced mass spectrometry approaches for the structural and molecular characterization of ARDCs, and to analyze and interpret the resulting data.

Activity

- Develop and optimize mass spectrometry methodologies for the structural characterization of ARDCs.
- Characterize the integrity and molecular mass of ARDCs using intact mass spectrometry approaches under both denaturing and native conditions.
- Determine the Drug-to-Antibody Ratio (DAR) and characterize the Drug Load Distribution (DLD), when required.
- Apply, when appropriate, bottom-up, middle-up/middle-down and top-down strategies for in-depth molecular characterization of ARDCs.
- Develop and perform upstream biochemical treatments, including deglycosylation and disulfide bond reduction.
- Identify and characterize antibody modifications induced by conjugation.
- Investigate the impact of conjugation on antibody structure and conformation, notably using ion mobility mass spectrometry and Collision Induced Unfolding (CIU) approaches.
- Complement the characterization of ARDCs using chromatographic and biophysical approaches, including HIC, SEC-MALS and DLS, to assess their hydrophobicity, aggregation state and degree of multimerization.
- Process, analyze and interpret mass spectrometry data and complementary analytical data.
- Assess the performance and limitations of the different approaches and propose methodological improvements.
- Participate in scientific discussions with the different project partners.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, reports, and presentations.
- Present results at project meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
- Maintain scientific awareness of developments in the fields of protein mass spectrometry, antibody characterization and therapeutic bioconjugates.

Your Profil

Skills

# Education and experience
- PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, structural biology, protein science or a related discipline.
- Experience in structural mass spectrometry, particularly HRMS, LC-MS, native MS, intact mass or top-down MS, would be highly desirable.
- Experience in the characterization of monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins or bioconjugates would be an advantage.

# Scientific and technical skills
- Strong knowledge of mass spectrometry and protein analysis.
- Knowledge of protein biochemistry and chromatographic techniques.
- Knowledge of structural and molecular approaches for protein characterization.
- Experience in the analysis of antibodies or therapeutic proteins would be an advantage.
- Knowledge of native mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility would be an advantage.

# Practical skills
- Design, optimize, and implement experimental protocols.
- Process and interpret complex datasets.
- Identify the limitations of analytical approaches and propose alternative strategies.
- Ensure traceability and proper management of scientific data.
- Write and present scientific results.

# Software and tools
- Proficiency in standard computer tools.
- Experience with mass spectrometry data processing and analysis software.

# Personal skills
- Autonomy, rigor, and initiative.
- Scientific curiosity and a strong interest in methodological development.
- Ability to troubleshoot experimental issues and adapt to new approaches.
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.
- Strong scientific communication skills in English.
- Ability to interact with project partners.

Your Work Environment

The Center for Molecular Biophysics (CBM) is a CNRS research institute comprising approximately 160 staff members. CBM develops interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, biology, and physics, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of life and the dysfunctions leading to disease development.

The postdoctoral researcher will be recruited at the Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM, CNRS, Orléans) as part of a research project dedicated to the development and characterization of Antibody-Radionuclide-Drug Conjugates (ARDCs).
ARDCs represent a new generation of therapeutic agents combining the targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the complementary action of a radionuclide and a drug molecule. Their development requires advanced analytical approaches to accurately characterize antibody integrity, the extent of conjugation, and potential structural modifications induced by conjugation.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the MO²VING platform and will be under the direct supervision of the platform manager. The successful candidate will interact closely with platform staff, research teams within the laboratory, and external partners.
Employment Conditions and Benefits
- Full-time position: 38.5 hours per week.
- 44 days of annual leave per year.
- On-site subsidized staff restaurant.
- Employer contribution of 75% toward public transportation subscriptions.
- Sustainable mobility allowance
- Sports and recreational activities organized by the local social action committee.
- Campus childcare and leisure facilities.
- Additional CNRS employee benefits.

Constraints and risks

- Experimental work in structural biology and mass spectrometry laboratory.
- Use of high-technology scientific instrumentation and handling of chemical reagents in compliance with safety regulations.
- Regular interactions with the project partner.
- Occasional travel for project meetings, training sessions, and scientific conferences.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

from 3 041 € gross monthly depending on 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