Offer Description
Abstract: Mass cytometry (MC) relies on the identification of intracellular or surface-expressed targets using antibodies coupled to metal isotope chelates. Detection is based on the difference in the time-of-flight of metal ions when placed in an electric field. For several years, MC technology was restricted to the analysis of cells in suspension, but thanks to a major development, its connection to a laser ablation system now makes it possible to analyse tissues: the samples are ionised, and their isotopic composition is then mapped to produce high-precision images comparable to fluorescence microscopy. Theorically, IMC technology has the unique capability to simultaneously stain, acquire and analyze more than 100 markers of interest on a tissue section without interference from autofluorescent tissues or management of spectral overlap. However, at present, this technology is limited to the analysis of 40 markers associated solely with the 40 metal isotopes that are actually used, which are lanthanide isotopes. This is associated to the current chemistry of MC tags those can only be loaded with few elements.
To make full use of IMC and ensure a more detailed characterisation of biological samples (i.e. to increase the number of parameters that can be analysed simultaneously), it is therefore crucial to open up new detection channels, that is, to introduce new metal isotopes. In theory, any exogenous metal isotope with a mass between 77 and 209 uma can be utilised. However, adding new channels is not so straightforward, as some isotopes may produce a signal of low sensitivity or significantly increase background noise and their chemistry is not compatible with the current reagents. The aim of this project is therefore to design new labelling agents for MC, enabling the opening of new detection channels to significantly improve IMC technology and facilitate a more comprehensive study of complex biological systems. More specifically, the objective will be to design bifunctional chelators capable of strongly coordinating new metals for use in IMC, and to develop grafting methodologies on innovative platforms to replace the MAXPAR polymers currently in use.
Laboratory: The research programme will be carried out within the COSM team at the CEMCA laboratory (UMR 6521, UBO, Brest, France). The COSM team is developing several research areas focused on Health and/or Materials. More specifically, the ‘Nitrogen-containing Macrocycles and Coordination’ research group is dedicated to the synthesis and study of nitrogen-containing macrocycles intended for applications in the field of health: medical imaging (MRI, PET, etc.) and therapy (radioimmunotherapy, leukaemia, etc.). The CEMCA laboratory is equipped with all the facilities required for high-level organic chemistry: automated chromatographic purification systems, HPLC, NMR and HR-MS platforms, etc.
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Molecular chemistry
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Essential qualifications
- Strong practical experience in organic synthesis, preferably involving macrocyclic chemistry
- Experience with the purification and characterisation of organic compounds
- Good scientific writing, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary research team
Desirable qualifications
- Experience in coordination chemistry
- Experiences in bioconjugation reactions (click chemistry, NHS, maleimide…)
- Experience in physico-chemical studies (potentiometry, UV-vis spectroscopy…)
Specific Requirements
The postdoctoral researcher will be appointed for a period of 24 months (~2,600 euros before tax) under the Bienvenü Bretagne funding scheme, which requires the candidate to:
- have defended his/her thesis within the last three years,
- have spent at least 18 months abroad between 1 April 2023 and the start of the project.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry
Internal Application form(s) needed: Post-doc Bienvenü BZH.pdf (English, 146.81 KB - PDF)
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
The postdoctoral researcher will be appointed for a period of 24 months (~2,600 euros before tax) under the Bienvenü Bretagne funding scheme, which requires the candidate to:
- have defended his/her thesis within the last three years,
- have spent at least 18 months abroad between 1 April 2023 and the start of the project.
Selection process
CV, cover letter and 2 letters of reference
Website for additional job details: https://www.univ-brest.fr/cosm/fr
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Brest, UMR CNRS 6521, CEMCA
Country: France
City: Brest
Postal Code: 29200
Contact
State/Province: Bretagne
City: Brest
Website: http://www.univ-brest.fr/cosm/menu/RechercheResearch/Macrocycles-azotes-et-coordination
Street: 6 Avenue Le Gorgeu
Postal Code: 29200
E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Phone: [contact details available in the full listing]
