Design, synthesis and evaluation of carbohydrate-siRNA chimeras as novel therapeutic agents
A postdoc position for a talented postdoctoral researcher is available in the Chemistry of Biomolecules and Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids units at the Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Topic. The advent of mRNA-based vaccines against SARS-Covid 2 and the FDA-approval of numerous therapeutic siRNA oligonucleotides clearly underscore the importance of oligonucleotide-based therapeutic agents. In this project, we aim to achieve the proof-of-concept for an innovative strategy to produce original RNA-like molecules featuring improved biological properties for use as therapeutics. Interfacing siRNA and anti-mRNA manipulation with RNA-based imaging, the poposal takes advantage of the versatility of chemical synthesis, and in particular of glycochemistry.
Representative publications: Chem Eur J 2021, 27, 5694-711. doi: 10.1002/chem.202003480 ; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2020, 117, 16790-16798; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2003267117
Profile. A PhD in organic chemistry with experience in the synthesis of carbohydrates and analogs and/or in the synthesis of nucleoside and nucleotide analogs, particularly in solid-phase synthesis using modified phosphoramidites. A proven record of achievements, good communication skills, autonomy and a strong propensity for team work would be assets.
Conditions. The position is funded by the « Direction des applications de la Recherche et des Partenariats Industriels (DARRI) » of the Institut Pasteur and the Institut Carnot. The salary corresponds to the postdoc standard in France, including extended health coverage. The contract will be for 24 months. The position is available from September 2021, but the exact starting date is negotiable (within the last trimester of 2021).
Application: Send a single pdf document with a detailed CV, a cover letter, and the names and contacts of three references.
Materials should be emailed to the principal investigators Laurence Mulard (laurence.mulard@pasteur.fr) and/or Marcel Hollenstein (marcel.hollenstein@pasteur.fr), who can be reached for informal inquiries about the project and the corresponding research units.