Postdoctoral Position in Organic/Bioconjugation Chemistry

About the Lab

The Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l’Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB) is recognized as a leader in the field of Chemistry for Molecular Imaging and Therapy. The lab conducts cutting-edge research at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine, with a strong emphasis on translational applications.

We are offering an 18-month postdoctoral position in organic / bioconjugation chemistry within the RITM team (Radiopharmaceuticals, Imaging, Therapy, and Multimodality), as part of a technology maturation project funded by SATT Sayens.

Scientific Context

You will contribute to the development of SUPRALINK, an innovative supramolecular bioconjugation platform developed at ICMUB. This novel approach enables the labeling of antibodies with radioisotopes (for diagnostic and therapeutic applications) via non-covalent supramolecular assembly.

Due to its high efficiency and selectivity, the labeling can be performed directly in vivo, once the vector has accumulated in the tumor environment—dramatically improving the safety of radiopharmaceuticals.

The lab offers an outstanding research environment with:

• Full facilities for organic synthesis, bioconjugation and radiochemistry
• HPLC-MS, preparative HPLCs, FPLC, NanoDrop UV
• BLI and NanoTemper systems for bioconjugate analysis
• NMR (400, 500, 600 MHz) spectrometers, MALDI-TOF, Orbitrap LC-MS mass spectrometers

What We Offer

• 18-month fully funded contract with potential for further collaboration
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment
• Opportunities to publish, attend conferences, and grow your scientific network
• A welcoming team and vibrant scientific environment in Dijon, France

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead the design, synthesis and preclinical evaluation of functional probes and antibody–based bioconjugates. You will collaborate closely with chemists, radiochemists, biologists, radiopharmacists, and imaging specialists in a multidisciplinary and translational research setting.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Designing and synthesizing bioconjugatable probes (incorporating various radiometal chelators and linkers)
• Developing and optimizing chemical and enzymatic bioconjugation protocols
• Purifying and characterizing organic molecules and bioconjugates (FPLC, HPLC, MS, UV, etc.)
• Designing preclinical studies and analyzing data
• Writing detailed experimental protocols, technical reports, and scientific publications

Salary : 32-35 k€ annually, depending on experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry (or closely related field)
• Strong experience in organic synthesis and chromatographic techniques (e.g., HPLC, HPLC-MS)
• Experience or solid understanding of bioconjugation and protein purification is a plus

Preferred Skills

Experience in supramolecular chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear imaging

Personal Attributes

• Independent, organized, and proactive 
• Strong communication skills (written and oral)
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead the design, synthesis and preclinical evaluation of functional probes and antibody–based bioconjugates.

You will collaborate closely with chemists, radiochemists, biologists, radiopharmacists, and imaging specialists in a multidisciplinary and translational research setting.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Designing and synthesizing bioconjugatable probes (incorporating various radiometal chelators and linkers)
• Developing and optimizing chemical and enzymatic bioconjugation protocols
• Purifying and characterizing organic molecules and bioconjugates (FPLC, HPLC, MS, UV, etc.)
• Designing preclinical studies and analyzing data
• Writing detailed experimental protocols, technical reports, and scientific publications