Post-Doctoral position in photochemical synthesis of anticancer compounds (M/F)

About this position

Chemotherapy is widely used in cancer treatment, but its effectiveness is limited by the development of drug resistance and toxicity to healthy tissues. Targeted therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody–drug conjugates) have improved patient survival. However, oncogenic targets have not been identified for all cancer types, and these therapies are also associated with the development of resistance and adverse effects.

We have recently developed an efficient photochemical synthetic route to novel fused quinolines. These compounds have demonstrated promising antiproliferative activities through bioactivation mechanisms that we have recently patented.

As part of an Inserm-funded project, we aim to expand this preliminary study to a broad range of additional promising structures that we have identified and that also have patent potential.

The project benefits from two major collaborations: (1) Computational Chemistry (LPCT, CNRS UMR 7019, located near L2CM) and (2) Biological Evaluation (CRCLille, INSERM UMR 1366).

The successful candidate will contribute to this broader research project.

References :

Cortelazzo-Polisini, E. et al. J. Org. Chem. 2022, 87, 9699-9713.

https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.71696

Bruneau, V. et al. Chem. Eur. J. 2026, corrected proofs:

https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.71696

-Setup a library of compounds to be prepared and define priority order

-Achieve multi-steps syntheses to get the desired final compounds

-Purify efficiently all these compounds and achieve complete physico-chemical characterization.

-Achieve photochemical characterization of the final compounds absorption maxima, fluorescence (fluorescence quantum yield).

-Measure photochemical conversion kinetics by means of 1H-NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy

-Manage the library of compounds and ensure their transmission to biologists. Gather and analyze structure-activity relationships.

-Work with theoretical chemists partners in order to 1) Understand structure/absorption maxima relationships, 2) Decipher mechanisms involved in photochemical reactions, and 3) discover the chemical interactions between molecules and the biological target.

The Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (L2CM) is a joint research unit of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Lorraine (UMR 7053), bringing together approximately 80 members across three sites in Nancy (Faculty of Science and Technology and Brabois Health Campus) and Metz (Institute of Chemistry, Physics and Materials).

L2CM conducts research primarily in organic, medicinal, organometallic and coordination chemistry, as well as in the physical chemistry of molecules and interfaces (self-assembly, adsorption, spectroscopy and photophysics), with applications in (photo-, bio-)catalysis and (photo)biology.

The laboratory is organized into four research teams focusing on: (1) organometallic synthesis; (2) engineering of metal complexes; (3) synthesis of photoactive molecular architectures; and (4) investigation of interfacial interactions for adsorption and catalysis.

The research teams work closely with the laboratory's technological platforms, all recognized by the CNRS and the University of Lorraine (STAR LUE, Infra+ programme of the Lorraine Université d'Excellence initiative): SynBioN (synthesis for biology and nanomaterials), PhotoNS (optical spectroscopy and photophysics, soft matter and porous material interfaces, and photobiology), and MassLor (mass spectrometry). Further information is available at:

https://www.l2cm.univ-lorraine.fr/l2cm/plateformes/

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The successful candidate will join the SAMPA research group (Synthesis of Photoactive Molecular Architectures), based in Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy. The research activities will be supported by funding from Inserm.

A PhD student has recently been recruited to work on the same research topic, focusing on a different series of compounds. Close and synergistic collaboration between the successful candidate and the PhD student is expected, particularly through the exchange of technical expertise, scientific knowledge, and literature insights.