PhD candidate (M/F) - Chemical functionalization of amino acid-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This PhD project is funded by the “CanGoNano” project, a European Training Network funded in the framework of HORIZON Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), focusing on glyconanomaterials (GNM) as precision tools of unveil key insights on the triggering of the antigen presenting cells (APC) against cancer using antigenic peptides and mRNAs encoding for these peptides. Within CanGoNano, Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will be equipped with a thorough multifaceted knowledge of the potential of glycoscience in cancer immunotherapy and the necessary transferable skills. CanGoNano will provide an international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary educational program, according to the EU Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training. This will put DCs in an advantageous position for job opportunities in both academia and industry.
In this context, the candidate will work on the synthesis and functionalization of amino acid-based nanoparticles as precision carriers for the delivery of antigen peptides to antigen presenting cells.

This PhD project will focus on:
1) Multifunctionalization of polydopamine-coated amino acid-based nanoparticles (AA-NPs) with carbohydrate fragments and fluorescent probes;
2) Covalent conjugation of peptides to AA-NPs;
3) Study of the interaction of GNM with lectins on APC;
4) Training in the synthesis of NPs for peptide delivery, chemical functionalization, physicochemical characterization of multifunctional NPs, cell biology, carbohydrate-lectin interactions, industrial scale-up processes.
Planned visits to:
(1) Amsterdam University Medical Center (Netherlands) (2 months): training on the identification of lectins involved in the uptake of GNM;
(2) CarboHyde company (Hungary) (3 months): training on the scale-up of GNM.

Academic prerequisite
We are looking for a candidate with a 5-years degree (Master) with a strong background in chemistry, in particular in organic chemistry and materials chemistry, or related fields (practical experience in organic and materials chemistry and characterization techniques).

Technical skills and knowledge required
- Synthesis of organic molecules;
- Chemical functionalization of nanoparticles;
- Characterization of organic molecules and nanoparticles by spectroscopic techniques (e.g., NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy).

Soft skills
- Great sense of thoroughness, rigor and organization;
- Dynamism, high motivation, reactivity and autonomy;
- Writing skills in English and ability to summarize are essential;
- Provide ideas for the research projects;
- Carry out scientific bibliography;
- Compile results for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
- Capacity to present results orally.

The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.

Application procedure
Required documents in addition to CV and motivation letter (maximum 1000 characters including spaces):
- Certified copy of Academic Degree (Master) or self-declaration in case the Master Degree has been not yet obtained;
- Recommendation letters.
The applicant must also apply through the project website: https://cangonano.eu/.

Your Work Environment

This project will be developed in the Laboratory of Immunology, Immunopathology and Therapeutic Chemistry (CNRS UPR 3572, I2CT), which belongs to the CNRS and is located at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology in Strasbourg (France), in particular in the group Therapeutic multifunctional carbon and 2D nanomaterials and under the supervision of Dr. Cécilia Ménard-Moyon and Dr. Alberto Bianco. The research unit has a unique and internationally recognized expertise in autoimmune diseases and nanomedicine, in particular the development of carbon nanomaterials and nanoparticles, for biomedical applications and the assessment of their potential toxicity. The laboratory is located on the Esplanade university campus, very easily accessible by public transport, with an administrative restaurant nearby and access to several analysis platforms.

The candidate will benefit from an individual and well-structured scientific and transferable training within the CanGoNano network in an international work environment.
He/she will be enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Strasbourg (France), Doctoral school of Chemical Science (http://ed.chimie.unistra.fr/en).

Constraints and risks

There are no constraints.
Biological and chemical risks.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

4735,81 € per month (gross, before compulsory employer contributions). Mobility allowance 710 €/per month (gross, before compulsory employer contributions). Family allowance, if applicable: 495 €/per month (gross, before compulsory employer contributions)

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