PhD in chemistry (M/F) – New Chemical Tools for Radical Bioconjugation of Proteins and Living Cells

We have recently developed an innovative electrochemical bioconjugation strategy that enables the site-selective anchoring of a chemical function onto tyrosine residues of proteins under the application of an electrical potential in solution. This bio-electroconjugation reaction occurs within minutes and provides a fast and biocompatible method for the functionalization of viral vectors, bacteria, and even whole cells, without affecting their viability (Nat. Commun., 2023, 14, 5122; Chem. Sci., 2021, 12, 15374–15381; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2018, 140, 17120–17126).

The objective of this PhD project is to extend this methodology by developing new functions that can be activated through chemical or electrochemical oxidation. New derivatives based on the N-methyl luminol (NML) motif will be synthesized, optimized, and evaluated for their ability to rapidly and chemoselectively label tyrosine residues in proteins.

The PhD candidate will functionalize these NML anchors with original ligands for grafting onto viral vectors and immune cells. These labeling experiments will be conducted in close collaboration with our biology partner in Nantes (TaRGeT laboratory, UMR 1089).

The CEISAM laboratory offers a leading research environment and is equipped with all the necessary facilities for conducting work in organic chemistry.

The “Glycochemistry and Bioconjugates” group develops innovative approaches at the interface of carbohydrate chemistry and bioconjugation. Its main scientific contributions include:

The development of carbohydrate-based antagonists to combat intestinal inflammation induced by E. coli in the context of Crohn’s disease (concept that has reached clinical trials),
The exploitation of multivalency to efficiently inhibit bacterial enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism,
The development of the first electrochemical bioconjugation method enabling the labeling of proteins, microorganisms, and living cells.

The “ChemICALS” group of the TaRGeT laboratory has all the infrastructure required for characterizing bioconjugation reactions on viruses and cells, as well as recognized expertise in in vitro and in vivo studies in small animal models.

The candidate should have:

• A strong background in synthetic chemistry
• A strong interest in the chemistry/biology interface
• Ideally, experience in bioconjugation

Scientific rigor, autonomy, and teamwork skills are essential. The PhD candidate will be expected to present their results at national and international conferences. They may also have the opportunity to teach at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Nantes University.