Researcher in MRI contrast agent development (M/F)

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research; France; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

CNRS, Center for Molecular Biophysics (CBM) in Orléans, seeks a researcher (R1) to join the “Metal complexes and MRI” group. You will design and synthesize ligands for manganese and iron complexation and study their redox and MRI properties within a funded project.

The role involves implementing experimental plans, analyzing data, writing publications, and presenting results at conferences. Collaboration with CNRS researchers and access to NMR/MRI facilities are provided.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or equivalent.
• Experience in organic synthesis of ligands for metal complexation is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of NMR and coordination chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize ligands for manganese and iron complexation.
• Study physical-chemical properties and redox behavior of complexes.
• Assess MRI relaxation properties of the complexes.
• Prepare experimental plans with PI guidance.
• Write publications and present results at conferences.

Skills

Organic synthesis

NMR spectroscopy

Coordination chemistry

Physical-chemistry

Teamwork

Independent work

Data handling

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Equivalent higher degree

Tools

NMR

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Voltammetry

Potentiometry

Job description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire Research Field Chemistry Biological sciences Pharmacological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 1 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 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

At the CNRS, within the Center for Molecular Biophysics (UPR4301) based in Orléans, a researcher position is open in the “Metal complexes and MRI” group ( http://cbm.cnrs-orleans.fr/ ). The selected candidate will participate in a project funded by the National Research Agency whose objective is to design and characterize redox-responsive contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The main objectives of the researcher will be:

• Synthesize ligands for manganese and iron complexation


• Study the physical-chemical properties of the complexes (redox, thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness)


• Study the relaxation properties and MRI effectiveness of the complexes

Implementation of experimental plans to carry out this project, in consultation with the PI

• Synthesis of new ligands


• Complexation of ligands with manganese and iron, identification of suitable conditions


• Study of the physicochemical properties of the complexes by NMR, relaxometry, voltammetry, potentiometry and UV-visible spectroscopy


• Participation in discussions on project progress with other participants, members of the group or collaborators


• Analysis and formatting of results


• Writing publications


• Presentations of the results obtained at conferences

CBM (UPR 4301) is a CNRS research unit with 140 staff working in synergy at the interface between physics, biology and chemistry. The researcher (M/F) will be part of the "Metal complexes and MRI" group and will be supervised by the PI of the project. He will interact with the other members of the group (4 CNRS researchers, 2 research engineers, 1 study engineer and 5 PhD students and 2 post docs). He will have access to state of the art equipment of the team and of the NMR and MRI platforms in CBM.

Experience in organic synthesis of ligands for metal complexation

• Experience in NMR


• Experience in physical-chemistry and coordination chemistry


• Ability to communicate, organize, work in a team but also independently


• Rigor and motivation


• Experience to ensure traceability of processed data and reproducibility of the analyzes carried out


• Ability to disseminate scientific results in writing and orally


• Ability to write scientific articles

Experience in the field of bioinorganic chemistry would be a plus.