진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Project description:

The UBE2N protein plays a crucial role in DNA repair and is a promising target for the development of new cancer therapies. Few UBE2N inhibitors have been described in the literature, and these are mainly covalent inhibitors, which, due to a lack of selectivity, expose patients to potential adverse effects (J. Med. Chem. 2025, 68, 915). In this context, this project aims to design, synthesise and evaluate new non-covalent UBE2N inhibitors. In silico screening of molecules from the CERMN chemolibrary, followed by screening on chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells (Unité Anticipe, Bioticla), has enabled the identification of hit molecules. Based on these results, we are working towards three objectives: 1) Confirming the interaction between the molecules and UBE2N 2) Improving the efficacy and selectivity of the identified molecules 3) Evaluating their physicochemical properties.

Job description:

The candidate will be responsible for:

1) Developing a ligand-target affinity test using biophysical methods such as MST, TSA or Alphascreen® technology.

2) Pharmacomodulation of hits confirmed in step 1 to obtain more active molecules. This work will be based on available chemoinformatics data. Particular attention will be paid to the development of modern synthesis routes (metal-catalysed reactions, hydrogenations, etc.) to obtain the compounds.

The recruited candidate will participate in the common tasks inherent to laboratory life and will be involved in ordering procedures (solvents, laboratory reagents, chemical reagents), as well as equipment management and maintenance (maintenance of NMR, shared equipment).

Position: Research Engineer/Postdoctoral Fellow in Medicinal Chemistry

Activity: Organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, ligand/target affinity evaluation

Supervisor: Charline KIEFFER – charline.kieffer@unicaen.fr

Type of position: 22-month fixed-term contract.

Start date: 1 March 2026

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate needs to have a PhD in organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry. Technical skills at the interface with biology, especially in the in vitro evaluation of molecules, are needed. In particular, previous experience in evaluating the affinity of molecules using biophysical methods is a bonus. This position may be suitable for someone seeking a first post-doctoral experience. Initiative, particularly in proposing molecules to be synthesised and synthesis pathways to be developed, as well as the ability to communicate with the various project partners (chemo-informaticians and biologists) will be appreciated.

Selection process

Applications should be sent to Charline KIEFFER (CV + cover letter) at the following address: charline.kieffer@unicaen.fr

Additional comments

CERMN lab:

The Normandy Centre for Drug Research and Studies (CERMN) is a research unit at the University of Caen Normandy that develops research programmes in the field of drug design. The unit's current areas of research are oncology, neuroscience and infectious diseases, with a scientific focus on polypharmacology, protein-protein interactions, peptide-membrane interactions and chemical tools for diagnosis and imaging. http://cermn.unicaen.fr/