Doctoral Contract in Glycochemistry: Synthesis of N-Acetylglucosamine Analogues as Therapeutic Agents
Join a multidisciplinary team to synthesize and optimize novel N-acetylglucosamine analogues for treating Fabry disease and Gb3-related disorders.
Best for:Best for organic chemistry graduates with expertise in multi-step synthesis, glycochimie, and analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC) seeking a multidisciplinary PhD project in medicinal chemistry.
Overview
This doctoral position at the Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles (ICSN) focuses on synthesizing and optimizing analogues of N-acetylglucosamine as potential therapeutic agents for Fabry disease and glycosphingolipid-related disorders. As part of the ANR-funded Gb3Down project, the candidate will collaborate with the Institut Curie, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and a pharmaceutical company. The work involves multi-step organic synthesis, selective protection/deprotection strategies, and biological evaluation of compounds. The successful applicant will contribute to advancing glycochimie research with applications in medicinal chemistry and therapeutic development.
What you'll do
- Synthesize and optimize analogues of N-acetylglucosamine with modifications at anomeric positions, amine functions, and alcohol groups.
- Develop selective protection/deprotection strategies for multi-step organic synthesis.
- Characterize synthesized compounds using NMR, mass spectrometry, and HPLC.
- Collaborate with biologists to evaluate the biological activity of compounds in cellular and in vivo tests.
- Prepare regular reports and present findings orally to the research team and collaborators.
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment with chemists, biologists, and pharmaceutical partners.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or equivalent with specialization in organic synthesis and/or glycochimie
Degree offered: PhD
Language: French; proficiency sufficient for laboratory work and collaboration (no formal test required)
Instruction: French
- Proven experience in multi-step organic synthesis (protection/deprotection, glycosylation)
- Familiarity with analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC)
- Strong background in organic chemistry and glycochimie
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- No specific nationality restrictions
- Open to candidates from any country
- No age limit
- No prior experience cap
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants must submit their application through the CNRS employment portal. The application should include a CV, a cover letter, and any relevant academic transcripts. Additional documents may be requested upon review.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master’s degree transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
Contact
CNRS Employment Office· Recruitment Contact
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