integrated into research and innovation strategies.

The CNRS, in partnership with universities and targeted laboratories, aims to strengthen this thematic area by structuring a dedicated French scientific community, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and accelerating the transfer of innovations to industry. The creation of this chair aligns with the national strategy to support translational research and innovation in health, in line with the France 2030 plan and CNRS priorities in chemistry for life sciences

CBST (Strasbourg)

The Laboratory of Synthetic and Therapeutic Chemical Biology (CBST) is a key player in bioorthogonal chemistry, with recognized expertise in bioconjugation, click reaction development, and biomolecule engineering. This laboratory develops innovative strategies for protein labeling and functionalization, as well as applications in imaging and targeted therapy. The chair would strengthen this dynamic and attract international talent while fostering partnerships with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

CEISAM (Nantes)

The Chemistry and Interdisciplinarity: Synthesis, Analysis, Modeling (CEISAM) laboratory specializes in molecular chemistry and its applications in health, food, and materials. CEISAM develops innovative synthesis methodologies, particularly in organic and organometallic chemistry, and more recently in bioorthogonal electrochemistry. It has high-performance analytical platforms. The chair would integrate bioorthogonal chemistry into its research axes, in line with health and biotechnology challenges.

BioCIS (Cergy-Pontoise/ Orsay)

The BioCIS laboratory (Biomolecules: Design, Isolation, Synthesis) is a key player in medicinal chemistry and biomolecule synthesis, with recognized expertise in peptide chemistry, glycosides, and fluorinated molecules. BioCIS collaborates closely with the pharmaceutical industry and has screening platforms and a chemical library. The chair would strengthen its position in bioorthogonal chemistry, particularly for the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

ICSN (Gif-sur-Yvette)

The Institute of Chemistry of Natural Substances (ICSN) conducts research at the chemistry-biology interface, with strong expertise in bioorthogonal chemistry for the study of complex biological targets. ICSN has recently developed bioorthogonal probes for imaging mycobacterial cell walls, illustrating its potential in diagnostics and fundamental research. The chair would strengthen this approach and foster collaborations with the institute's screening and structural analysis platforms.

This project aims to develop new methodologies in bioorthogonal chemistry for applications in in vivo imaging, targeted therapy, and diagnostics. Bioorthogonal reactions, which are selective and biocompatible, enable the labeling, modification, or activation of biomolecules in complex environments without disrupting biological processes. The work will focus on:

• Designing new, rapid, and selective bioorthogonal reactions for biomolecule labeling and the study of molecular mechanisms and/or cellular processes.
• Developing probes, bioconjugates, and new molecular engineering methods for medical imaging, tissue- or cell-scale diagnostics, and targeted delivery (antibody-drug conjugates, nanovectors).
• Applying these tools to major health challenges (cancer, infectious diseases, neurodegeneration, pain, gene therapy).
• Valorizing results in collaboration with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

This project is part of a translational research approach, in line with national and European priorities in health and therapeutic innovation.

The chair will offer innovative teaching in bioorthogonal chemistry and chemical biology, tailored to the needs of partner universities and industrial stakeholders. Courses will cover:

• Fundamental principles of bioorthogonal chemistry and click reactions.
• Synthesis and functionalization methodologies for biomolecules.
• Applications in imaging, diagnostics, and targeted therapy.
• Challenges in translational research and innovation in health.

These courses will be delivered at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with a strong practical component (laboratory work, tutored projects, internships in laboratories or companies). The chair will also promote the creation of continuing education modules for professionals, in collaboration with competitiveness clusters and industrial networks.

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project's socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Where to apply

Website: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CPJ/CPJ-2026-028/Default.aspx

Requirements

Research Field: Chemistry

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Research Field: Biological sciences

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Research Field: Pharmacological sciences

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Languages: FRENCH

Level: Basic

Research Field: Chemistry

Years of Research Experience: None

Research Field: Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience: None

Research Field: Pharmacological sciences

Years of Research Experience: None

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific. There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability.

Website for additional job details: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CPJ/CPJ-2026-028/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Direction des ressources humaines

Country: France