Description of the thesis topic

The subject of this thesis is the design of peptides using combinatorial chemistry for biomedical applications.
The PhD student (M/F) will be required to synthesize a library of peptides by combinatorial chemistry to create mimics of a protein, formulate hydrogels from these peptides, and characterize their physicochemical and biological properties.
The various activities that will be entrusted to the PhD student (M/F) are peptide synthesis by combinatorial chemistry, selection of self-assembling peptides from those synthesized, larger-scale synthesis of the selected peptides on solid support, their characterization, preparation of aqueous solutions of these peptides to formulate hydrogels, characterization of the structure, morphology, mechanical and biological properties of the hydrogels. The PhD student (M/F) will also be required to interpret and exploit the results and present them as a summary presentation and scientific publication.
The desired skills that the PhD student (M/F) should have before recruitment are a good knowledge of peptide synthesis on solid support, a good knowledge and practice of peptide characterization techniques, ease in the scientific communication of these results, a sense of teamwork and a fluent level of English C1. Skills that would be a plus are experience in hydrogel formulation and characterization, as well as simulation (molecular dynamics).

Work Context

The Charles Sadron Institute in Strasbourg (ICS-UPR22) is a CNRS unit associated with the University of Strasbourg. The Institut Charles Sadron is located on the CNRS campus in the Cronenbourg district, with easy access to the delegation, the CROUS canteen on the same campus, and the CAES.
The laboratory specializes in the science of self-assembled systems and polymers. It comprises 53 researchers and teacher-researchers, 38 engineers, technicians, administrative staff, and 100 PhD students, post-docs, associate researchers, and trainees. It has characterization (light scattering, rheology) and microscopy (electron and atomic force) platforms. The PhD student (M/F) will work in the (Bio)sustainable materials: Self-assembly of peptides and polymers team at ICS. For further information, please visit the website: https://www.ics-cnrs.unistra.fr. The PhD student (M/F) will be part of the doctoral school 182 (ED 182), Physics and Physical Chemistry. The doctoral student (M/F) will also have a transportation allowance.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

The risks associated with this job are those related to chemical products and screen work.
The doctoral student (M/F) will be required to present his or her results in France and abroad, requiring travel during the three years.