Postdoctoral position: Peptidomimetics of Dependence Receptors UMR 6226 CNRS Rennes, France A two years postdoctoral position (INCa funded project) is available in the group of M. BaudyFloc'h, ICMV (Ingenierie Chimique et Molécules pour le Vivant) UMR CNRS 6226, Rennes, France and in collaboration with Melhen's biologist group, Lyon (UMR INSERM U1052/CNRS 5286) and Bondon's biophysic group, Rennes (Equipe RMN-ILP, UMR CNRS 6026). Our group is involved in the design and the therapeutic evaluation of pseudopeptide synthesis. Aza β3 amino acids have been developed to replace amino acid in a peptide in construction to change the molecule's stability or biological activity. Dependence receptors share the ability to trigger cell death in the absence of their respective ligand and this property has been shown to confer these receptors a tumor suppressor activity. A selective advantage for tumor cells to escape death is the gain of an autocrine production of the ligand of the dependence receptors to inactivate this dependence receptor pathway. The main goal of the project is to develop peptides and pseudopeptides that interfere with the ligand of dependence receptor. Biologists will test these peptidomimetics in vitro, in culture of neural crest progenitors but also in vivo using in the animal models. The above project involves a wide range of technologies in protein chemistry: peptide synthesis, HPLC, amino acid analogues synthesis, mass spectrometry and characterization of peptides by Maldi-TOF, CD and NMR spectroscopy. The successful applicant will synthesize natural and chemically modified peptides using a synthesizer and home made precursors. Structural characterization will be performed by NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Consequently, the candidate should have a PhD degree and have strong backgrounds in organic synthesis and in peptide chemistry (synthesis, purification, characterization). as well as a good knowledge in structural NMR. Basic knowledge in biology is a plus for interaction with biological partner. Position is available as soon as possible. Salary will be determined by the CNRS administration according to the qualification of the candidate. Application details : Interested applicants should submit a CV and list of publications, a statement of research interests, and the names of three referees with contact information to : Dr. Michèle Baudy-Floc'h ICMV, UMR CNRS 6226 – Université Rennes1 Avenue du Général Leclerc - 35042 RENNES CEDEX - France e-mail : [email protected]