PhD in chemistry (M/F) – Analytical developments in ultra-sensitive NMR approaches for metabolomics

Organisation/Company Nantes Université Department CEISAM UMR-CNRS 6230 Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a method of choice for the quantitative analysis of complex mixtures such as biological samples typically encountered in metabolomics. However, its sensitivity remains limited. In this context, the CEISAM laboratory has recently acquired a dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) instrument—unique in Europe—that, when coupled to an NMR spectrometer, enhances the sensitivity of 13C NMR by several orders of magnitude (1). This equipment will be upgraded in 2026 with a rapid-transfer system between the polarizer and the NMR spectrometer, enabling ultra-sensitive 1H acquisitions. The DNP approach relies on preparing a hyperpolarized state through electron–nuclei polarization transfer by microwave irradiation of the sample at low temperature. Once this state is reached, the sample is rapidly transferred to the NMR spectrometer, allowing ultra-sensitive detection within a limited time window. We recently demonstrated, for the first time worldwide, that this method can be applied to 13C NMR metabolomics at natural abundance (2). Beyond this proof of concept, substantial analytical developments are still required to broaden the applicability of this approach in metabolomics. Dedicated acquisition and data-processing tools suitable for complex mixtures are essential, such as fast 2D NMR (3) or the simultaneous detection of NMR responses originating from multiple nuclei (4). Many analytical challenges remain, particularly concerning the quantification and identification of NMR signals obtained using these methods.

The aim of this PhD project is to optimize a complete DNP-hyperpolarized NMR workflow for the analysis of biological samples (including clinical samples such as urine or blood plasma) and to evaluate its potential for metabolomics. This work lies at the interface between NMR spectroscopy and analytical chemistry, requiring strong involvement both in understanding and developing hyperpolarized NMR approaches and in mastering the entire metabolomics workflow—from sample preparation to statistical data analysis.

References

1. Plainchont, B., et al., Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Opens New Perspectives for NMR Spectroscopy in Analytical Chemistry. Analytical Chemistry, 2018. 90(6): p. .

2. Dey, A.., et al., Hyperpolarized 13C NMR Metabolomics of Urine Samples at Natural Abundance Applied to Chronic Kidney Disease. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2025. 147: p.644-650

3. Giraudeau, P. and L. Frydman, Ultrafast 2D NMR: An Emerging Tool in Analytical Spectroscopy.Annu. Rev. Anal. Chem., 2014. 7: p. 129-161.

4. Dey, A., et al. Hyperpolarized 1H and 13C NMR Spectroscopy in a Single Experiment for Metabolomics Anal. Chem., 2023, 95, p.

The PhD candidate will be responsible for:

• Optimizing sample preparation and hyperpolarized 1D and 2D NMR analysis conditions for complex mixture analysis;
• Assessing the potential and limitations of this approach for the identification and quantification of biological samples;
• Analyzing series of biological samples (including clinical samples provided by collaborators at INSERM and the University of Tours);
• Processing the resulting data using statistical approaches;
• Interpreting the results with a critical analytical chemistry perspective and comparing them with those obtained using standard methods.

Candidates should have a background in chemistry (preferably physical or analytical chemistry) and an interest in developing analytical methods and applying them to metabolomics. Strong rigor in analytical chemistry and a genuine interest in NMR methodology are essential. Due to the highly collaborative nature of the project, excellent communication skills in both French and English are required.

The PhD candidate will also be expected to share knowledge with other students (Master’s and PhD) and present their work at international conferences and project meetings. Opportunities for teaching assignments will be offered, and the supervising team will place high priority on the candidate’s training.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

The selected PhD candidate will be supervised by Prof. P. Giraudeau (expert in NMR method development for mixture analysis) and Dr. M. Letertre (expert in NMR- and MS-based metabolomics). The thesis work will take place in a stimulating collaborative environment, including a team of engineers and postdoctoral researchers involved in the project. The candidate will benefit from their experience in DNP, NMR pulse sequences, and analytical chemistry.

Interactions with the instrument manufacturer and with Prof. S. Jannin’s team in Lyon are expected for instrumentation aspects, as well as collaborations with Dr. Nadal-Desbarats’ team in Tours for clinical metabolomics applications. The PhD project is at the core of the MetaHyp project (2025–2030) funded by the French National Research Agency. It is therefore highly collaborative, involving frequent interactions with project partners. More broadly, the project aligns with the scientific priorities of the national MetaboHUB research infrastructure, to which the Nantes and Tours laboratories belong.

CEISAM is the molecular chemistry laboratory of the University of Nantes, comprising five research teams recognized in theoretical, physical, and analytical chemistry, as well as organic synthesis. Its NMR platform is the largest in western France. Fully renewed in 2025, it possesses an extensive set of instruments, including seven state-of-the-art high-field spectrometers (400–700 MHz), three low-field instruments, and a DNP polarizer unique in Europe. CEISAM is located in the vibrant city of Nantes, close to the Atlantic coast and southern Brittany.

Selection process

Candidates will have to submit the following documents:

• Detailed and updated CV
• Transcripts of the grades and rankings of the Master’s degree or engineering degree (for semesters for which grades are available)
• Letter of appreciation from the direct supervisor of the Master’s research internship (mandatory for the 2nd year of the Master's degree, if applicable for the 1st year)

Pre-selected candidates will be contacted directly for an interview with a committee composed of at least the thesis director and a representative of the Graduate School.

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