Research Engineer in Chemical Synthesis for the treatment of leishmaniasis (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The Research Engineer in Chemical Synthesis will contribute to the cross-border POCTEFA EFA 254/06 project entitled 'Exploration of ruthenium-hydrazone hybrid complexes and nanocarriers for the treatment of leishmaniasis: Societal and biomedical perspectives and One Health drug candidates'. The scientific component to be developed by the Research Engineer comprises: i) the synthesis of families of hydrazones, some of which have demonstrated extremely promising activity; ii) the synthesis of functionalised 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine systems, ligands with a high affinity for ruthenium; and the construction of terpyridine-ruthenium-hydrazone hybrid systems. It should be noted that certain terpyridine-Ru complexes have already demonstrated activity against Leishmania.

Activity

Experimental work: preparing hydrazones, 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligands and ruthenium complexes; most of these compounds will be synthesised under solvent-free conditions (mechanochemistry). To investigate the most suitable methods for their purification using major chromatographic systems and to fully characterise the compounds using spectroscopic methods. To obtain single crystals for X-ray diffraction characterisation of compounds from each of the families synthesised (hydrazones, ligands, ruthenium complexes).
Dissemination activities: disseminate and promote the results in the form of reports, publications, presentations, papers, etc.
Training activities: provide training by passing on knowledge and training team members in specific techniques (purification) in accordance with health and safety regulations.

Your Profil

Skills

We are seeking a Research Engineer with a PhD in Chemistry (synthesis or analysis) and 5–10 years' experience (or more). The position is for a period of 16 months, starting on 1 October 2026.
The candidate must have: sound and solid experience in organic synthesis; sound and solid experience in chemical analysis. Experience of solvent-free synthesis (mechanochemistry) would be highly desirable.
The candidate must be able to work independently in the laboratory and demonstrate rigour in managing a research project. They must be capable of translating a research question into choices regarding synthesis and purification routes, and the methods to be employed. Proficiency in specialist software, particularly in the field of chemical analysis.
The candidate must be able to apply a quality assurance approach.
The candidate must have language skills in English, and possibly in Spanish.
The candidate must have excellent teamwork skills and the ability to communicate scientific findings effectively.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will be based at the LCC-CNRS UPR 8241 Coordination Chemistry Laboratory in Toulouse, within the 'Molecules and Composites for Optics' team (https://www.lcc-toulouse.fr/molecules-et-composites-pour-loptique-equipe-r-2/). The team has recognised expertise in ruthenium complexes, mechanochemistry and hydrazones in relation to biological activities. The successful candidate will work in an academic environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, where the LCC is also a member of the Toulouse Institute of Chemistry (ICT, https://www.univ-tlse3.fr/structures-de-recherche/institut-de-chimie-de-toulouse). The Research Engineer will be recruited under the 'medicinal chemistry' component of the cross-border POCTEFA EFA 254/06 project entitled 'Exploration of ruthenium-hydrazone hybrid complexes and nanocarriers for the treatment of leishmaniasis: Societal and biomedical perspectives and One Health drug candidates'. The project leader is the CNRS and the 'Molecules and Composites for Optics' team at the LCC. The project will involve regular exchanges with the project partners: the University of Navarre (biology), the University of Barcelona (nanocarriers) and Jean-Jaurès University, Toulouse (societal approach).

Constraints and risks

There are no particular constraints or risks.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Gross salary: €3,645.42 per month

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