Summary
The “Metals and Microorganisms: Biology, Chemistry, and Applications” (MMBCA) team at CNRS is offering a fully funded, 36-month PhD position focused on combating antibiotic resistance. The project aims to develop a “Trojan Horse” strategy by conjugating antibacterial gold(I) complexes to bacterial siderophores (iron-chelating metabolites) to bypass the low-permeability outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.
PhD Fellowship in Medicinal Chemistry at CNRS, France
Position Details
Designation
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Quick Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Offer Reference | UMR7242-GAEMIS-007 |
| Duration | 36 Months |
| Gross Salary | €2,300 monthly |
| Annual Leave | 44 days (plus RTT) |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 6, 2026 (23:59) |
Research Area
Medicinal Chemistry at the chemistry-biology interface, focusing on developing siderophore-antibiotic conjugates to target Gram-negative bacterial resistance.
Chemistry of and for life: design and properties of molecules of biological interest (specifically at the chemistry-biology interface targeting antibiotic resistance).
Location
UMR7242 Biotechnology and Cellular Signaling unit, École Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg (ESBS), Illkirch Innovation Park, Illkirch Graffenstaden, Bas-Rhin, France (approx. 10 km from Strasbourg city center).
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates applying for this fellowship must possess:
- A Master’s degree (M2) in Chemistry or Chemistry/Biology.
- Practical and theoretical knowledge of organic synthesis.
- Proficiency in spectral analysis techniques (NMR, MS, etc.).
- Mastery of chemistry-related IT tools (electronic lab notebooks, drawing software).
- At least theoretical knowledge of biology, microbiology, or biochemistry.
- An ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
- English language proficiency (minimum B2 level in reading, writing, and speaking).
- Asset: Experience in organometallic chemistry and purification techniques.
Job Description
The selected candidate will be responsible for the core organic synthesis activity of the project. Main responsibilities include:
- Preparing (synthesis and hemisynthesis), purifying, and characterising siderophore vectors.
- Collaborating closely with a partner team in Lyon (who will prepare the gold(I) complexes) to execute the conjugation step.
- Handling spectroscopic characterization (NMR, MS) and automated purification systems (Chromatoflash).
- Contributing to the evaluation of biological properties alongside the National Reference Center (CNR) for Antibiotic Resistance in Besançon.
- Writing scientific articles (specifically experimental sections) and presenting research at conferences.
- Assisting in laboratory operations (ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, managing reaction waste).
How to Apply & Important Dates
Interested candidates can review the official listing and submit their applications directly through the official portal.
- Application Link: Apply via the Portail Emploi CNRS Job Offer Page.
- Last Date to Apply: August 6, 2026, at 23:59
