Fixed-Term PhD Position (M/F) in Organic Synthesis / Glycochemistry

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The candidate hired by the CNRS will work at the Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials in Poitiers (UMR CNRS 7285) within the glyco-chemistry group of the organic synthesis team.
The topic of the doctoral dissertation is “Exploiting the ambiphilicity of silylated nitronates to increase the structural diversity of aglycones in glycomimetics.”
As part of the ANR program (SILYSUGAR), this organic chemistry project aims to expand the chemical space at position 1 of iminosugars—sugar mimetics with high therapeutic potential—in order to identify new hits for various diseases. In fact, limited structural diversity has been introduced at the C1 position of these compounds due to the lack of late-stage functionalization methods. To address this, unprecedented carbohydrate derivatives—nitromethyl iminosugars—will be developed by leveraging the amphiphilicity of silyl nitronates.
This project will be carried out in collaboration with a team from ICOA (Orléans). The conformational properties and biological potential of the resulting compounds will be systematically studied by the project's international partners (Spain, Japan).
In this context, the successful candidate will be responsible for the synthesis, purification, and characterization of nitromethyl iminosugars and their chemical application.
The candidate will be responsible for the following activities:
- Multi-step synthesis of nitromethyl iminosugars
- Use of nitromethyl iminosugars in coupling reactions
- Purification and characterization of the resulting organic molecules (NMR, HRMS, IR).
- Supervision of interns (Master's I and II).
- Presentation of results at consortium progress meetings.
- Preparation of reports (literature reviews and progress reports).
- Literature review

Your Work Environment

Hired by the CNRS, the doctoral student will join the Organic Synthesis team at the Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials in Poitiers (IC2MP - https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/).
The team's central research focus is to harness the unique potential of carbohydrates—chiral molecules derived from biomass—that offer high added value. Particular emphasis is placed on converting them into molecular platforms for synthetic and/or biological applications.
The successful candidate will report to the head of the glycochemistry group within the IC2MP organic synthesis team. Candidates must hold a master's degree in organic chemistry.
Candidates must:
- be proficient in the synthesis of organic compounds
- be proficient in techniques for the purification and analysis of organic compounds
- be proficient in organic synthesis and retrosynthesis strategies
- be fluent in English
- be able to write scientific reports in French and English
- have strong organizational skills
- have an interest in the chemistry-biology interface
- have a strong preference for teamwork
The successful candidate must possess the motivation and enthusiasm necessary to carry out this basic research project. He or she must be able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. The candidate should be curious and enjoy problem-solving and developing new reactions that require creativity, innovation, and personal initiative, while adhering to the imposed constraints.
Interested and highly. motivated candidates should submit a cover letter explaining why they are interested in this position, a complete resume (including a list of publications, if applicable), and two academic references (with address, phone number, and email).

Constraints and risks

Standard chemical hazards. The candidate will be subject to the laboratory's internal regulations regarding all health and safety rules. Occasional assignments in France or abroad are possible.

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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