Photochemical synthesis of anticancer compounds

Offer Description

In the frame of cancer treatment, chemotherapy is widely used, but it is impaired by resistance development and by toxicity on healthy cells. New targeted therapies (tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, ADC…) have led to the improvement of patient’s survival rates, but oncogenic targets are not always well defined, and resistance may also occur, as do side-effects.

We recently developed a straightforward synthesis of new fused quinoline derivatives by means of a photoactivation step. These compounds exhibit antiproliferative activity through an innovative bioactivation pathway we have just patented.

Thanks to a grant from Inserm, we intend to exemplify these preliminary results through numerous new promising chemical targets, some of which being patentable too.

Collaborations with two partners strongly support this project: 1) Computational chemistry (LPCT UMR CNRS 7019, same location as L2CM) and 2) Biologic evaluation (CRCLille, UMR 1366 INSERM).

References: Cortelazzo-Polisini, E. et al. J. Org. Chem. 2022, 87, 9699-9713. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.2c00748.
Bruneau, V. et al. Chem. Eur. J. 2026, corrected proofs: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.71696

Where to apply

E-mail: michel.boisbrun@univ-lorraine.fr

Requirements

• Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Ph.D. in organic chemistry (obtained less than 2 years ago) with documented experience in organic synthesis and proficiency in purification and analytical techniques.

• Experience in photochemistry would be a valuable asset but is not mandatory;
• Independent and proactive individual open to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment;
• Good communication skills (written and oral) and willingness to prepare manuscripts;
• Ability to mentor students.

• Languages: ENGLISH
• Level: Good
• Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry
• Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4

Internal Application form(s) needed: Post-Doc offer Nancy.pdf (English, 99.02 KB - PDF)

Additional Information

Benefits

Contract period: 18 months; Salary: approx. 3000 euros/month before tax.

Selection process

Please send:

• A cover letter describing relevant experiences and motivation;
• A detailed CV including list of internships or projects and list of publications and communications;
• The names and email addresses of one or more referees.

Additional comments

The L2CM laboratory holds all necessary equipment enabling high-level organic chemistry: inert medium reactors, automated chromatographic purification devices, HPLC, HR LC-MS, 400 MHz NMR...

A recently recruited PhD student will work in parallel on the same project on another family of compounds. Strong interactions are expected between both the recruited candidate and the PhD student.

L2CM is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment.

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: UNIVERSITE DE LORRAINE
• Country: France
• City: Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy
• Postal Code: 54506
• Street: Campus Aiguillettes

Contact

• State/Province: FRANCE
• City: Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy
• Website: https://l2cm.univ-lorraine.fr/ https://www.univ-lorraine.fr/
• Street: Rue du jardin botaniques
• Postal Code: 54506
• E-Mail: michel.boisbrun@univ-lorraine.fr
• Phone: +33 3 72 74 52 64