PhD Scholarship in Bioinorganic Chemistry: Applications are invited for a fully funded 36-month PhD scholarship focused on developing and evaluating traceable copper ligands as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease. The project is funded by the Foundation “Vaincre Alzheimer” and hosted by the CNRS Coordination Chemistry Laboratory (LCC), Toulouse, in collaboration with the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, Strasbourg. The PhD will start on 1st July 2026.
PhD Scholarship in Bioinorganic Chemistry for Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Designation
PhD Research Scholar (Doctoral Candidate)
Research Area
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Bioinorganic & Coordination Chemistry
- Amyloid Cascade & Metal Homeostasis
- Therapeutic Chemistry
- Cell Biology & Neurobiology
Location
- Coordination Chemistry Laboratory (LCC), CNRS – Toulouse, France
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences – Strasbourg, France
Eligibility / Qualification
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- or related disciplines
- Strong interest in therapeutic chemistry and the chemistry–biology interface
- Highly motivated, persistent, and able to work in a multidisciplinary research environment
Job Description
The PhD project focuses on the evaluation of newly synthesized copper-chelating ligands as potential therapeutic tools against Alzheimer’s disease. The research will address the role of copper dysregulation in amyloid-β toxicity and oxidative stress.
Key responsibilities include:
- Studying copper removal from Cu–Aβ complexes using novel ligands
- Evaluating ROS (reactive oxygen species) suppression
- Performing in vitro experiments and cell-based studies
- Investigating ligand cell penetration, copper redistribution, cell viability, and inflammation markers
- Monitoring ligands in living cells using time-resolved confocal microscopy
- Collaborating between chemistry and neuroscience research teams
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Brief CV summarizing academic and research experience
- Cover letter explaining motivation and suitability for the project
- Most recent academic transcripts/results
- Two academic or professional references
Applications should be sent to:
Charlène Esmieu
📧 charlene.esmieu@lcc-toulouse.fr
📞 +33 (0)5 61 33 31 20
Supervision
- Dr. Charlène Esmieu – CNRS Coordination Chemistry Laboratory, Toulouse
- Dr. Christelle Hureau – CNRS Coordination Chemistry Laboratory, Toulouse
- Collaboration with Dr. Nicolas Vitale’s team, Strasbourg
Funding Agency
Foundation “Vaincre Alzheimer”
(36-month fully funded PhD scholarship)
Last Date for Apply
Until the position is filled
