PhD Open Position in Organic Chemistry: Synthesis of Cyclic and Lipid Metabolite-Inspired Detergents for the Extraction and Stabilization of Membrane Proteins
Job Offer Reference: [Cytergents_PhD_2023]
Within the frame of the ANR Cytergents project, 3 PhD positions in organic synthesis are available at the Institute of Biomolecules Max Mousseron in the team Synthèse de Lipides Bioactifs and at Avignon University in the team Synthèse et Systèmes Colloïdaux Bioorganiques. Cytergents is a basic research project that aims at exploring new approaches in the design of detergents and at understanding the detergent/lipids/protein interactions that determine extraction and stabilization of membrane proteins in functional form.
The PhD candidate will be in charge of the synthesis of the hydrophobic moieties of the detergents in Montpellier using fine chemistry methodologies of C-C bond formation. The PhD candidate will then conjugate the hydrophobic moieties onto glycosyl donors in Avignon, where he/she will study the colloidal properties of the final detergents. He/She will be working side by side with a Post-doctoral fellow. The biochemical validation will be carried out on several types of proteins of fundamental importance.
The consortium associates two teams of synthetic chemists (Avignon and Montpellier) and a team specialized in the study of detergent/membrane/protein interactions (128C, CEA Paris-Saclay) on the academic side with a company that provides high-quality membrane protein targets and proprietary detergents to customers (CALAR).
Eligibility/Qualification: The candidate must have a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and a desire to develop knowledge and skills further as the project may resemble natural product-like synthesis with glycosylation coupling sequences.
Job Description: The PhD candidate will be responsible for synthesizing hydrophobic moieties of detergents and conjugating them onto glycosyl donors. This role involves interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with a Post-doctoral fellow, and contributing to the biochemical validation of the synthesized detergents.
Location: Montpellier and Avignon, France
How to Apply: To apply for this position, you should have:
- Excellence in your studies and a Master’s degree in chemistry with a strong background in organic chemistry.
- Very good communication skills.
- Capability of interdisciplinary work.
Last Date for Apply: Until position filled
Availability: The position is available from 1st November 2023 for a period of 3 months.
Gross Salary: Approximately €2050 gross monthly salary increasing to ~€2200 (without teaching activities).
Application: Applications should be sent by email with the reference of the job offer in the subject, including:
- Motivation letter
- A list of obtained scores during Master’s degree studies
- At least 2 references (name, company, email address, and telephone number)
Application Email: [Application Email]
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