PhD Position (M/F) in Glycochemistry: Synthesis of N-Acetyl-glucosamine Analogues as Therapeutic Agents*

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Synthesis of N-Acetylglucosamine Analogues as Therapeutic Agents
As part of the ANR Gb3Down project, which brings together the ICSN in collaboration with the Institut Curie, the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (hospital), and a pharmaceutical company, we propose the synthesis of N-acetylglucosamine analogues as therapeutic agents.
Scientific results have led to the identification of an N-acetyl-glucosamine-based “hit” compound as an active molecule in Fabry disease and in the production of the glycosphingolipid Gb3. The project will focus on optimizing the molecular structures in order to improve their pharmacological properties and biological activities in cellular assays and subsequently in vivo.
The candidate will be responsible for the synthesis of these N-acetyl-glucosamine analogues, incorporating modifications at the anomeric position, on the amino group, or on the hydroxyl groups, using appropriate selective protection/deprotection strategies. The compounds will be characterized, in particular, by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and their biological activities will then be evaluated in close collaboration with the project partners.
The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree (M2) in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or an equivalent qualification, with a specialization in organic synthesis and/or glycochemistry. Demonstrated experience in multi-step synthesis (including protection/deprotection and glycosylation) will be highly appreciated, as well as strong proficiency in analytical techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and HPLC.
An interest in medicinal chemistry and therapeutic applications would be an additional asset. The candidate should also demonstrate autonomy, rigor, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team involving chemists and biologists. Good scientific writing skills, including the preparation of regular reports, as well as strong oral presentation skills, are also expected.

Your Work Environment

The Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles (ICSN) is a CNRS research unit whose research activities focus on chemistry and biology. It is part of Université Paris-Saclay. The ICSN is located on the Gif-sur-Yvette campus and has approximately 125 staff members, including 70 permanent researchers and staff, distributed across three buildings.
Within the Department of Chemical Biology, the successful candidate will join the carbohydrate chemistry research team to work under the supervision of the team leader, and the project will be jointly supervised by two researchers.
The laboratory is equipped with all the facilities required to carry out the project, including HPLC, automated flash chromatography, a microwave synthesis reactor, a freeze dryer, a rotary evaporator, and other equipment.
Several analytical platforms are available within the institute and provide access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including NMR spectroscopy (300 and 500 MHz), mass spectrometry (LC-MS and HRMS), and X-ray diffraction.

Constraints and risks

The project involves health and safety requirements associated with the handling of chemical substances. All experiments will be carried out in a laboratory equipped with fume hoods.

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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