Postdoctorate : Synthesis of AI-Designed Antimicrobial Ultrashort Peptides M/F

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 50 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is seeking a research candidate with expertise in organic chemistry for a project focused on developing AI-generated antimicrobial peptides. This role involves multi-step synthesis, product analysis, and collaboration with research teams. Ideal candidates will have a Master's or PhD in Organic Chemistry and strong skills in organic synthesis and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in organic synthesis and compound characterisation.
• Eager to work on a trans-disciplinary project.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsabilités

• Design and carry out multi-step organic synthesis.
• Analyze and characterize products using various techniques.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Connaissances

Organic synthesis

Compound characterisation (NMR, IR, MS)

Teamwork and communication

Formation

Master's degree (MSc) or PhD in Organic Chemistry

Outils

NMR

IR

MS

Description du poste

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Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut des sciences moléculaires Research Field Chemistry Environmental science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 20 Aug 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 10 Nov 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

You will be an integral part of our research group focused on organic chemistry (synthesis of fluorescent probes for biological applications, boron chemistry, …). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on an innovative project involving the synthesis of new AI-generated small organic molecules effective against Streptococcus mutans, in close collaboration with two others laboratories from the campus (OENO in charge of biological studies and LABRI in charge of AI-assisted design). You will access state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to a stimulating research environment within ISM.

Design and carry out multi-step organic synthesis to develop novel ultra-short peptides and derivatives with antimicrobial properties. Analyze and characterize products using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, MS, UV-Vis, fluorescence). Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance shared research goals. Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students within the laboratory.

To fight antibiotic resistance observed in oral and dental pathologies remains a major public health concern worldwide. In response to this challenge, research is exploring new strategies to limit the proliferation of S. mutans which plays a central role and is also involved in serious extra-oral infections such as certain heart diseases. Our project aims to develop novel AI-generated ultra-short antimicrobial peptides and analogues with fluorescent and/or polyamines moieties, effective against S. mutans. Machine learning models will help optimizing the selection and design of more effective peptides. The combination of activity tests with imaging methods will provide valuable insights into their antimicrobial efficiency and interactions with S. mutans. The results of this project will open new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of severe dental diseases.

We are seeking a candidate (M/F) with a Master's degree (MSc) or PhD in Organic Chemistry, with strong expertise in organic synthesis and compound characterisation (NMR, IR, MS, etc.), eager to work on a trans-disciplinary project. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills, a strong sense of research ethics, and a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.