Job offer

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 3 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Une opportunité de doctorat est offerte dans le domaine de la chimie à l'Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté. Le projet vise à développer des nanoparticules pour le diagnostic et le traitement des cancers, en collaboration avec des institutions académiques et des partenaires industriels. Les candidats doivent avoir un Master en chimie et des compétences en synthèse organique et techniques de laboratoire.

Qualifications

• Candidat(e) motivé(e) avec un Master en chimie.
• Expérience en synthèse organique appréciée.
• Compétences en communication pour un projet multidisciplinaire.

Responsabilités

• Développer des plateformes nanothérapeutiques pour le traitement du cancer.
• Évaluer la cytotoxicité des agents thérapeutiques.
• Collaborer avec des laboratoires pour la synthèse et l'évaluation.

Connaissances

Synthèse organique

Techniques de laboratoire biologique

Communication

Formation

Master en chimie

Outils

NMR

FTIR

UV-Visible spectroscopy

XRD

DLS

Mesures de potentiel zêta

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté Department Nanosciences/ASP Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 31 Aug 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

In recent years, an increasing demand has emerged for the development of advanced tools able to enhance the diagnosis of specific pathologies and to improve therapeutic efficacy, particularly in the field of oncology. Conventional anticancer therapies typically involve the intravenous administration of cytotoxic agents with limited targeting capabilities, often resulting in significant adverse effects and toxicity. To overcome the limitations associated with resistant tumors and improve therapeutic outcomes, one of the most promising strategies lies in the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, major challenges remain in achieving selective accumulation and enhanced bioavailability of both therapeutic agents and ionizing radiation at the tumor site.

This PhD project is part of this scientific and clinical landscape and is embedded within the interdisciplinary research and development program i-NanoT, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This program involves a consortium of academic institutions, clinicians, and industrial partners from the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region, and aims to develop innovative nanoparticle-based platforms for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of diseases, including cancer, as well as inflammatory and infectious disorders.

The objective of the thesis is to develop novel theranostic nanoplatforms combining mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and ultra-small gold nanoparticles (AuNP) for applications in oncology. The MSN, developed at the ICB Laboratory, will serve as nanocarriers for the delivery of an anticancer agent [1-3]. The gold nanoparticles, synthesized at the LCE Lab in Besançon, will provide their radiosensitizing properties and their ability to act as imaging agents [4-5]. Within the scope of this project, the AuNP will also play a key role in controlling the release of the therapeutic payload.

MSN will be synthesized via a sol-gel process in the presence of structure-directing surfactants, using a method established at the ICB Laboratory [1-3]. Their particle size will be optimized to ensure colloidal stability under physiological conditions, especially after surface functionalization with AuNP and in the presence of imaging agents.

A cleavable linker will also be developed to temporarily attach the gold nanoparticles to the mesoporous silica matrix. This linker must be responsive to specific chemical or physical stimuli to prevent premature release of the anticancer agent before it reaches its target. The design and development of this cleavable system will be a significant task in this project and will be carried out in close collaboration with the ICMUB laboratory in Dijon.

The final part of the thesis will focus on the preclinical evaluation of the therapeutic agent loaded in MSN–AuNP nanoassemblies. Their cytotoxicity will be assessed in cell culture using various cancer cell lines and their intracellular localization will be investigated using fluorescence microscopy. These studies will be conducted at the CTM Laboratory in Dijon.

REFERENCES

[1] M. Varache, et al., Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, DOI 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol. 2014.10.020 (2015)

[4] GJ Sanchez, et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, DOI10.3390/ijms20184618 (2019)

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a Master’s degree in Chemistry. Prior hands-on experience in organic synthesis, ideally acquired during a research internship, will be considered as a strong asset. Familiarity with biological laboratory techniques—such as cell culture—would also be highly appreciated.

The successful candidate should possess excellent communication skills to contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary and collaborative project at the interface between chemistry and biology.

A major focus of the project will involve the design and development of a cleavable linker and the assembly of nanomaterials. As such, a solid theoretical understanding of standard characterization techniques for organic molecules and nanomaterials is expected, especially nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements.

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is expected for this position.

Additional Information

Salary : €2,200 gross per month

Selection process

Please send a motivation letter, a detailed CV, transcripts of undergraduate and Master's degrees, a cover letter, and two letters of recommendation (or the contact information of two referees).

Additional comments

The nationality of applicants, as well as the location of the position (in particular in relation to a zone with restricted access as defined in article R413‐5‐1 of the French Penal Code, or a sensitive unit), can have consequences in terms of :

• The time required to draw up the contract, and the administrative procedures involved (additional documents and information requested by prefectures, consulates, etc.).
• The drawing up of the contract, which can only take place with a favorable opinion from the Senior Defense and Security Official (HFSD) when requested

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Laboratoire ICB Country France State/Province Bourgogne Franche-Comté City Dijon Postal Code 21078 Street 9 avenue alain savary Geofield

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Center For Translational and Molecular medicine (CTM) Country France State/Province Bourgogne Franche-Comté City Dijon Postal Code 21078 Street 7 boulevard Jeanne d'Arc Geofield