Research Engineer (M/F) in Bioorganic Chemistry / Chemical Biology

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Chimie Et Interdisciplinarité : Synthèse, Analyse, Modélisation Research Field Chemistry Biological sciences Pharmacological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 18 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 27 Apr 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

We have recently developed an electrochemical bioconjugation strategy enabling the site-selective anchoring of a chemical handle onto tyrosine residues of proteins through the application of a simple electrical potential in solution. This electro-bioconjugation reaction occurs within minutes, providing a rapid and biocompatible method for functionalizing viral vectors, bacteria, and even whole cells without compromising their viability (Nat. Commun., 2023, 14, 5122; Chem. Sci., 2021, 12, 15374–15381; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2018, 140, 17120–17126).

In this project, the successful candidate will develop the chemical synthesis of complex sugar conjugates and functionalize them with a bioorthogonal group activatable via electrochemical stimulation. These compounds will then be grafted by electro-click chemistry onto Natural Killer (NK) lymphocytes in order to more effectively target SIGLEC-type receptors overexpressed in certain cancers (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia).

• Functionalization of oligosaccharides
• Electrochemical bioconjugation reactions on cells
• Characterization of synthesized products and conjugation reactions
• Preparation of scientific reports

The work will be carried out within the framework of the INCA NK-ELITE project, led by Christelle Retière (CRCI2NA).This project will be conducted in collaboration with several research groups in Nantes, including the TaRGeT laboratory, under the supervision of Mathieu Mével.The recruited postdoctoral researcher will carry out their research under the supervision of Sébastien Gouin within the CORAIL team at the CEISAM laboratory (Nantes Université).Electrochemical grafting experiments on cells will be performed at the TaRGeT and CRCI2NA laboratories, both located in Nantes.

• Expertise in glycochemistry and/or bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to present scientific work at group meetings