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Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship

Protection of DNA Nanostructures against Nuclease Degradation (ShielDNA)

Location: Université Grenoble Alpes, Department of Molecular Chemistry (DCM) and Department of Molecular Pharmacochemistry (DPM)

Supervision: Dr. Quentin Laurent (DCM) and Prof. Éric Peyrin (DPM)

Duration: 2 years; Start date: Sept. 1st, 2026

The project: The field of DNA nanotechnology, taking advantage of the programmable base pairing of DNA, has known great success in the past decades to organize matter at the nanoscale. Multiple applications arose of DNA nanostructures in biology to manipulate or interact with cells with unrivaled precision, but this has been hampered by the low stability of DNA in biological conditions, especially because of its digestion by enzymes called nucleases. ShielDNA aims at creating different inhibitors of nucleases by CE-SELEX (Capillary Electrophoresis Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment), and at using them in conjunction with DNA nanostructures to protect them from degradation.

The position: The work will be shared between the two host laboratories (DCM and DPM). The recruited postdoctoral fellow will synthesize structured oligonucleotide libraries in the DCM and perform selection by CE-SELEX against various nucleases in the DPM. The creation of multiple DNA nanostructures of different morphologies, their decoration with the selected inhibitors, and their stabilization will be studied in the DCM. The work will consist in a combination of oligonucleotide synthesis and self-assembly on one side, and on directed evolution and preliminary biological evaluations on the other.

The candidate:

o You are curious, research-driven and rigorous in your work, with good communication skills. You show initiative and creative thinking and are a team player.

o You have experience in the fields of oligonucleotide, directed evolution by SELEX and/or supramolecular chemistry, and a good scientific track record.

o Previous experience in DNA nanotechnology will be greatly appreciated but is not mandatory.

o You must hold a PhD degree.

How to apply: An email should be addressed to quentin.laurent1@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr and eric.peyrin@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr with “Postdoctoral Fellowship Application ShielDNA” as the subject. Applications should include a single PDF file containing a detailed CV including a list of publications, a short research summary, a cover letter, a proof of obtention of the PhD diploma and the contact of at least two references you worked with. Successful candidates will be invited to an online interview.

The DCM and DPM laboratories are composed of 5 and 2 teams respectively, covering most aspects of molecular chemistry, and fully equipped to handle synthesis, selection and characterizations of DNA nanostructures.

Grenoble is the capital of the French Alps, located 1 h away from Lyon. Nested in the middle of the mountains, it offers a high quality of life for one who loves nature.

Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemist

Job Description

The role of an Senior Scientist, Oligonucleotide Chemist within the Innovation Hub team in Petaluma, CA, USA. Is to develop and / or improve synthesis, deprotection, purification, modification, and analysis methods and processes to enable the introduction of new oligonucleotide related products and the transfer of these into manufacturing.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations and Quality Management policies and processes.
Is the Technical Lead in Oligonucleotide NPD and / or custom / co-creation projects.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support both IH and Operations project deliverables.
Core function is to act as the technical oligonucleotide chemistry lead and contribute to the development and delivery of new oligonucleotide-based technologies and applications
Demonstrated ability to independently design, project plan and execute development projects.
Independently develop synthesis methods to enable the delivery of custom / co-creation / NPD oligonucleotides using automated synthesizers and manual techniques.
Independently develop and optimize methods for oligonucleotide modification and conjugation (on-column and post synthesis and deprotection).
Independently develop and optimize purification methods for various modified oligonucleotides and conjugates.
Perform analytical characterization of oligonucleotides using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and other relevant techniques.
Troubleshoot synthesis, deprotection and purification processes to resolve manufacturing issues and / or improve yield and quality.
Independently generate documentation package to support operations effective control and transfer into manufacturing
Act as the subject matter expert post tech transfer and assist with chemistry troubleshooting.
Maintain accurate records of experiments and results in accordance with laboratory protocols
Prepare technical reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders. Effective communication at all business and technical levels.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in chemistry or a relevant field plus a minimum of 10 years industrial experience in modified oligonucleotide chemistry or demonstrated equivalence.
Extensive knowledge and in lab practice with oligonucleotide chemistries, protocols and analysis. Demonstrated experience in synthesis, deprotection, purification, post synthesis conjugation techniques and analysis/characterization of oligonucleotides.
- Proven expertise in using automated synthesizers and manual synthesis methods. Ideally with experience in a variety of synthesis platforms such as, but not limited to, MerMade, Dr Oligo, Shasta, K&A, OligoMaker, AKTA.
- Full comprehension of all steps within the synthesis cycle and impact of changes to methods, cycle times and reagents to the fit, form and function of the oligonucleotide. Seasoned ability to predict oligonucleotide impurity profiles resulting from processing changes
- Full comprehension of all deprotection schemes and resulting chemical conformations and degradation products.
- Full comprehension of non-compatible chemistry within the oligo and in subsequent processing.
- Full comprehension of oligonucleotide purification chemistries
Proficiency in analytical techniques, particularly HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Demonstrated extensive problem-solving experience.
Ability to optimize complex chemical processes and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
Ability to make data driven recommendations and decisions.
Excellent data analysis and interpretation abilities
Experience with quality control procedures and GMP regulations
Understanding of nucleic acid therapeutics and diagnostics applications
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Postdoctoral Position in RNA Therapeutics and Neuromuscular Disorders

A postdoctoral position is available in the IMPROVE (UMR1357 INSERM–UVSQ) research unit at the Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris/Versailles area, France).

Our group develops innovative RNA and gene-based therapeutic strategies for neuromuscular disorders, with a strong focus on translational research bridging mechanistic insights and preclinical development.

Research Project

The successful candidate will contribute to research programs aimed at enhancing the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and related RNA-based therapies. These projects integrate molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to address key challenges in therapeutic delivery, intracellular activity, and tissue targeting.

This work will involve investigating the molecular determinants of therapeutic efficiency and developing strategies to improve the performance of RNA-based interventions in relevant disease models.

Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated and creative scientist holding a PhD in molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, or a related discipline.

The ideal candidate will have:

Strong expertise in RNA and molecular biology (e.g. qPCR, Western blot, imaging, cloning, cell culture)
Prior experience in antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, or RNA therapeutics
Experience with in muscle biology and in vivo models (mouse) is highly desirable
Interest in neuromuscular biology or muscle therapeutics
Ability to drive independent projects, critically analyze data, and develop novel research directions

Research Environment

The IMPROVE unit provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong interactions with engineers, PhD students, and academic collaborators.

Employment Conditions

Start date: June 2026 (flexible)
Duration: up to 3 years
Salary: according to INSERM/University scales, based on experience

Application

Applicants should submit:

A cover letter describing research interests and experience
A detailed CV
Contact information for 2–3 referees

to: aurelie.goyenvalle@uvsq.fr