PhD Position in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology for Antimicrobial Drug Discovery (France) Institut CARMeN-Caen in France

The Institut CARMeN-Caen in France is offering a fully funded PhD position in organic chemistry and chemical biology, focusing on the synthesis of cyclic dinucleotide analogues for the development of novel antimicrobials. The project addresses the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies due to the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance. Traditional antibiotics often induce bacterial stress responses that promote resistance, so this research aims to identify new modes of action to combat pathogenic bacteria while limiting resistance development.

The research will involve the design and synthesis of c-di-AMP analogues with high metabolic stability and good cellular permeability, targeting the development of new anti-infective agents. The project will develop new synthetic methodologies, including ionic and radical approaches and photo-redox catalysis, in close collaboration with biologists and molecular modeling teams.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in organic chemistry, strong synthetic skills, and preferably experience in fluorine chemistry, multi-step synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, or nucleoside chemistry. Excellent written and spoken French is required, along with motivation and teamwork skills. The position is funded by the Région, covering salary and research expenses. To apply, candidates should send a motivation letter, CV, and two recommendation letters to Dr. Emmanuel Pfund and Prof. Thierry Lequeux.

Key academic keywords include organic chemistry, chemical biology, antimicrobials, cyclic dinucleotide analogues, fluorine chemistry, multi-step synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, nucleoside chemistry, and photo-redox catalysis. The application window is open for start dates between 2026 and 2029.