Job Information
Organisation/Company: L2CM/Université de Lorraine
Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry; Biological sciences » Biology
Researcher Profile: Other Profession
Positions: Master Positions
Application Deadline: 30 Oct 2026 - 23:00 (Europe/Paris)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 4 Jan 2027
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
Background
Severe bacterial skin infections, particularly those involving multidrug-resistant bacteria, can rapidly progress to sepsis and remain challenging to treat. The PEPSIS project explores an innovative therapeutic strategy combining bacteriophages and phototherapy, with the aim of selectively targeting bacterial pathogens and inactivating them through light activation.
The project focuses on the development of MAPS (Metallic Assemblies for Phototherapy and Sensing), a new class of supramolecular metal-based systems designed to display photodynamic (PDT), photothermal (PTT) and/or imaging properties.
Internship objectives
The intern will contribute to the design, synthesis and characterization of photoactive MAPS, with a strong focus on their potential biological applications.
The work will include:
- synthesis of ligands and molecular cages suitable for metal coordination;
- coordination and assembly with different transition metals, including Pt, Au, Ru and Ti;
- purification and structural characterization of the resulting compounds;
- investigation of their photophysical properties, including UV–visible absorption, fluorescence, 1O₂ generation, photothermal properties and response to NIR irradiation;
- identification and selection of the most promising systems for anti-infective applications.
Depending on project progress and the intern's interests, participation in biological experiments may also be possible, including antibacterial activity assays, light-activated experiments and preliminary studies of MAPS–phage systems.
An interdisciplinary chemistry–biology project
This internship offers the opportunity to follow the development of a candidate system from molecular design and synthesis through to biological evaluation, in interaction with research teams working in chemistry, photophysics and microbiology.
Ultimately, the most promising systems will be combined with bacteriophages to develop targeted bioconjugates designed to selectively interact with bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The internship will take place in an international research environment, involving collaborations with academic partners in Europe and Georgia.
Where to apply
E-mail: mihayl.varbanov@univ-lorraine.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidate profile
We are looking for a Master 2 / MSc student in Chemistry, Molecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry or a closely related field.
A solid background in organic synthesis is expected, together with an interest in coordination chemistry, photophysics and biological or biomedical applications. Previous experience in synthesis, molecular characterization and/or microbiology would be an advantage.
The candidate should be curious, independent, rigorous and motivated by interdisciplinary research at the chemistry–biology interface.
A good level of scientific English is required, as the project involves regular interactions and exchanges with international collaborators. An international profile, including previous academic mobility, international training or research experience abroad, will be particularly appreciated.
Perspectives
This is an emerging research project with strong scientific and translational potential, combining molecular chemistry, phototherapy and microbiology.
The internship offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of original photoactive metal-based systems, within an international collaborative environment, with potential perspectives for scientific publications, further research projects and continuation towards PhD-level research.
Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
Languages: FRENCH — Level: Basic
Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry
Additional Information
Selection process
Application: Please submit a CV, a cover letter, a copy of your M1 transcripts, and two letters of recommendation, including the referees’ contact details.
Contact: mihayl.varbanov@univ-lorraine.fr and florence.dumarcay@univ-lorraine.fr
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 2
Company/Institute: L2CM
Country: France
Contact
City: Vandoeuvre les Nancy
Website: http://www.l2cm.univ-lorraine.fr/l2cm/?page_id=53&categorie_actualites=all
Street: Bvd des Aiguillettes
Postal Code: 54506
E-Mail: andreea.pasc@univ-lorraine.fr