MSCA PhD Position – Antibacterial Polymers via Ugi Multicomponent Reactions for Particles and Innovative Polypeptoid-Based Materials (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Persistent wound infections are increasingly difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance and the protective nature of bacterial biofilms, which limit the effectiveness of conventional therapies. Current antimicrobial materials often suffer from limited stability, poor biocompatibility, or insufficient efficacy against complex biofilm environments.
This PhD project focuses on the development of innovative antimicrobial materials based on polypeptoids, a class of synthetic polymers that mimic natural peptides while offering enhanced stability and tunability. In particular, the project will explore the synthesis of polypeptoid-based nanoparticles using multicomponent reactions and polymerisation-induced self-assembly.
A key objective is to create multifunctional antimicrobial systems that integrate structural versatility with biological activity. This includes the development of polypeptoid particles with controlled properties capable of delivering antimicrobial agents and interacting effectively with biofilm matrices. The project will also investigate structure–property relationships and the interaction of these materials with biological environments.
The doctoral candidate will be trained in advanced polymer chemistry, self-assembly processes, and the design of functional biomaterials, as well as in antimicrobial evaluation within relevant biological models. The outcomes will contribute to the development of next-generation antimicrobial materials within the broader HEAL-4WARD programme.
The degree-awarding institution is the University of Paris Est-Créteil.

Your Work Environment

Host laboratory: The doctoral candidate will be hosted within the Molecular Chemistry and Macromolecular Materials (C3M) department at CNRS-ICMPE, a multidisciplinary research environment addressing key societal challenges in health, sustainability, and the environment. The department brings together expertise in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and soft matter physics to develop innovative functional materials.
Research activities focus on the synthesis of (bio)organic molecules using green chemistry approaches, the design of functional polymers with controlled architectures, and the chemical modification of bio-based and bio-inspired macromolecules. Particular emphasis is placed on self-assembly processes, nanostructuring of materials, and the development of biomaterials and multifunctional polymer systems.
Secondments: This project is carried out in collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential:
Prof. Marco Monopoli, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Prof. Maurizio Prato, Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales CIC (biomaGUNE), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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

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