Post-doctoral position available starting March 2008 (Paris, France)

You are an organic/peptide chemist willing to discover processes governing the self-assembly of biomolecules?

Become involved in a bionanotechnology based multidisciplinary project!

Research center information
This post-doctoral position (attractive salary) is available within the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) located near Paris (Saclay) for 18 months. Our center is recognized as a centre of excellence in physics, chemistry, biophysics, biology and biochemistry (6000 workers…). Our chemistry group consists of 15 permanent researchers, 6 technicians, 20 PhD students and 6 post-docs. Our group is dedicated to:

- synthesis of isotopically-labeled organic molecules,
- synthesis of natural bioactive products
- functionalisation and use of carbon nanotubes
- supramolecular self-assemblies
- development of new tools for structural biology

Website: http://www-dsv.cea.fr/scbm

About the project: this project aims at better understanding the processes involved in the self-assembly of biomolecules (proteins/peptides) to obtain hydrogels for drug delivery and is conducted in partnership with a pharmaceutical company. The major part of the project will involve the solid phase synthesis of small peptides. The supra-molecular self-assemblies will then be characterized by spectroscopy (NMR, IR, Raman, EM, X-ray scattering…..). Due to the innovative character of this project, patents and publications in high IF journals are expected.

About the candidate: A strong background in organic synthesis (with a knowledge of peptide synthesis) is required as are strong communication and interpersonal skills. He/she will extensively collaborate with the other teams involved in this project (industrial partner, biophysicists and spectroscopists).

Contact: Dr. Jean-Christophe Cintrat; e-mail: ; Tel: + 33-1.69.08.25.70

Relevant publication:
Elimination and exchange of trifluoroacetate counter-ion from cationic peptides: a critical evaluation of different approaches
S. Roux, E. Zékri, B. Rousseau, M. Paternostre, J.-C. Cintrat, N. Fay J. Peptide Science, 2008, under press