PhD in Chemistry – New Chemical Tools for Radical Bioconjugation of Proteins and Living Cells Nantes Université in France

This funded PhD position at Nantes Université, within the CEISAM UMR-CNRS 6230 laboratory, offers an exciting opportunity to develop new chemical tools for radical bioconjugation of proteins and living cells. The project builds on a recently developed electrochemical bioconjugation strategy that enables site-selective anchoring of chemical functions onto tyrosine residues in proteins, providing a fast and biocompatible method for functionalizing viral vectors, bacteria, and whole cells without affecting their viability. The candidate will extend this methodology by synthesizing and optimizing new derivatives based on the N-methyl luminol (NML) motif, evaluating their ability to rapidly and chemoselectively label tyrosine residues in proteins.

Research will focus on functionalizing NML anchors with original ligands for grafting onto viral vectors and immune cells. Labeling experiments will be conducted in close collaboration with the TaRGeT laboratory (UMR 1089) in Nantes, which specializes in in vitro and in vivo studies in small animal models. The CEISAM laboratory provides a leading research environment, equipped with all necessary facilities for organic chemistry and bioconjugation work. The Glycochemistry and Bioconjugates group is renowned for its innovative approaches at the interface of carbohydrate chemistry and bioconjugation, including the development of carbohydrate-based antagonists for Crohn’s disease and pioneering electrochemical bioconjugation methods.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, with a strong background in synthetic chemistry and a keen interest in the chemistry/biology interface. Experience in bioconjugation is highly desirable. Essential qualities include scientific rigor, autonomy, and teamwork skills. Good English proficiency is required. The PhD candidate will be expected to present research results at national and international conferences and may have opportunities to teach at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

To apply, candidates should submit a detailed CV, cover letter, transcripts of grades and rankings from their Master’s or engineering degree, and a letter of appreciation from their Master’s research supervisor. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for an interview with a committee including the thesis director and a Graduate School representative. The position is full-time (35 hours per week) and starts on 1 October 2026. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.

For further information, contact Dr. Sebastien Gouin at [email protected]. Application portal: Apply here. Institution website: Nantes Université.