PhD Position in Polymer Chemistry & Physico-Chemistry/ Block copolymer PICsomes and GUVs: from new polyplexes to biophysical analysis

Applicant profile

The candidate selected for this project should not have resided in France for a period of two years or more (MSCA Doctoral Network application). It is essential that the candidate possesses a robust background in either organic, polymer or supramolecular chemistry. Skills in physical chemistry, self-assembly, colloidal science would be appreciated. Interested applicants should send a letter, a detailed resume (CV) and contact information to Sebastien Lecommandoux (lecommandoux@enscbp.fr) and Colin Bonduelle (colin.bonduelle@enscbp.fr). The application to the doctoral program can then be done at the following link:(https://www.natprime.org/).

Project summary

The Lecommandoux group has longstanding expertise in the design, synthesis, and biological applications of polypeptide and protein-based nanoparticles, with a particular focus on polymer vesicles (also known as polymersomes). Recent progress within the group has enabled the synthesis of these nanomaterials through a PISA approach in an aqueous environment, employing amino acid-derived monomers (ROPISA method). As part of a major European project (https://www.natprime.org/), the main objective of this Ph.D. project is to design polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes) and study their formulation and biophysical properties. The Ph.D. student will synthesize a series of polypeptide-based block copolymers using PEG and polysaccharide-based macroinitiators to design such PICsomes that will further be used as drug delivery systems. The project entails secondments at the University of Warwick and the Technical University of Eindhoven. Further information on the research interests of Prof. Sebastien Lecommandoux can be found on the following website.