Postdoctoral fellowship in organic chemistry

Universite de Montpellier; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious research university in France seeks a postdoctoral researcher in Chemistry. The role involves pioneering methods for the direct detection of methylmercury in biological tissues. Candidates must have a PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry, coupled with strong skills in synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds. The position offers a salary between €2,200 and €2,380 per month with a contract lasting 48 months.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in organic or medicinal chemistry required.
• Experience in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is an asset.
• Motivation for scientific challenges and proactive attitude essential.

Responsabilités

• Design and synthesis of aromatic organophosphorus compounds.
• Developing and optimizing chemical protocols.
• Writing detailed experimental protocols and publications.

Connaissances

Synthesis of organic compounds

Purification techniques (NMR, LCMS, MALDI-TOF)

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Writing technical reports

Formation

PhD in organic or medicinal chemistry

Outils

HPLC

MS

NMR

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Universite de Montpellier Department Human Resources Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 19 Oct 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Reference Number 2026-R0012 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

- work environment: The position is hosted at IBMM, within the ChemBioNAC team, and funded by ANR. The lab offers an outstanding research environment with full facilities for organic synthesis and advanced analytical instrumentation: HPLC-MS, preparative HPLCs, NMR (400, 500, 600 MHz), mass spectrometers.

- main mission: Direct detection of methylmercury (MeHg) species in biological tissues, where MeHg binds non-specifically to amino and sulfhydryl groups in biomolecules such as DNA and peptides like glutathione, remains a significant challenge in MALDI-MSI. Conventional matrices are often unsuitable, as they may compromise the integrity of mercury species during sample preparation. Within the framework of the ANR project MOONFISH, we aim to develop and evaluate novel phosphorus-based matrices for the sensitive and high-resolution detection of mercury derivatives in tissues. A diverse library of aromatic organophosphorus derivatives incorporating stable thiophosphoryl functional groups will be developed, based on synthetic strategies previously established by the Montpellier research team. These matrices are expected to:

• Enhance ionization efficiency of mercury-containing biomolecular complexes
• Improve mass resolution and detection sensitivity of Hg species
• Preserve analyte integrity during sample preparation and analysis
• Provide reliable molecular-level insights into mercury’s interactions with biological targets.

- activities:

• Design and synthesis of aromatic organophosphorus compounds
• Developing and optimizing chemical protocols
• Purification and characterization of organic molecules (HPLC, MS, NMR etc.)
• Writing detailed experimental protocols, technical reports, and scientific publications

The net monthly salary is between €2,200 and €2,380

The contract duration is 48 months

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in organic or medicinal chemistry and excellent skills in synthesis, purification and characterization of products (NMR, LCMS, MALDI-TOF). Research experience in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry may be a valuable asset but not mandatory. We are looking for candidates highly motivated by scientific challenges and with a proactive attitude towards problem solving.The ability to work in a multidisciplinary research team, as well as effective communication and writing skills with a good mastery of the English language are essential for a successful selection.