PhD Fellowship in Medicinal Chemistry at CNRS, France

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

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

Link