M/F Researcher on the Synthesis, Structural Characteristics, and Physical Properties of New Nickel Compounds

Job Description

Missions

The recent discovery of high-pressure superconductivity in La₃Ni₂O₇-type bilayer nickelates has opened a new frontier in unconventional superconductivity research, positioning these materials alongside cuprates and iron-based superconductors as key systems for understanding high-Tc mechanisms.
This postdoctoral project addresses this challenge through a coordinated chemical substitution strategy, acting on three complementary levers: rare-earth site engineering (chemical pressure), anion chemistry (electron doping via oxygen/fluorine exchange), and aliovalent cation doping (hole doping). The successful candidate will lead the experimental synthesis effort across all three approaches, working in close interaction with the partner laboratories (Laboratoire de physique des solides & Ecole normale supérieure at Paris-Saclay, PSI & ETH-Zurich in Switzerland) of the ANR-PRCI SUNSHINE project for structural, spectroscopic, and physical-property characterization. The candidate will also carry out resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements to probe for the possible occurrence of CDW, SDW or magnetic transitions and establish their doping and pressure dependence.

Activity

In a first step, the postdoctoral researcher will prepare the nickelate phases using sol-gel methods. In the second stage, annealing will be carried out in air, in O₂, at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1200 °C, or under O₂ pressure at temperatures not exceeding 900 °C. Specific equipment is available in the laboratory for this purpose, and a maximum pressure of 250 bar at T = 900 °C can be achieved. This maximum O₂ pressure increases as the temperature decreases. Substitutions of rare earth and alkaline earth ions will be carried out. Finally, based on thermogravimetric analyses and the reduction of these phases, various fluorinating agents will be used to partially substitute fluoride ions for O₂⁻ ions. Once the phases are pure, a precise structural analysis will be carried out using X-ray and neutron diffraction data. Measurements under pressure will be carried out as part of the ANR SUNCHINE consortium. PPMS and SQUID measurements characterising the electronic and magnetic properties of all these phases will be carried out, the ultimate aim being to correlate the compositions and crystal structures with the physical properties.

Your Profil

Skills

Candidate Profile
• PhD in solid-state chemistry, materials chemistry, or condensed matter physics
• Strong experience in solid-state synthesis techniques (solid-state reaction, sol-gel routes, controlled-atmosphere annealing)
• Experience in X-ray diffraction (structural analysis, Rietveld refinement) required
• Experience in high-pressure oxygen synthesis, topotactic reduction/fluorination, or related soft-chemistry routes is a strong asset
• Experience with basic physical properties measurements (SQUID and PPMS) will be appreciated
• Prior experience with correlated-electron oxides (nickelates, cuprates, or related perovskite/Ruddlesden-Popper systems) is advantageous
Sur le plan de la synthèse, il y a des précautions à prendre inhérentes aux expériences sous hautes pressions d 'oxygène ainsi que celles relatives à l'utilisation d'agents fluorants, gazeux ou solide.
• Good written and spoken English; French not required

Your Work Environment

Created in 1995, the Bordeaux Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry (ICMCB) focuses its research on Solid State Chemistry, Materials Science and Chemistry and Process: designing, preparing, shaping and characterizing materials in order to discover, control and optimize specific functions. The ICMCB carries out fundamental research on model materials and/or materials with potential applications.
The ICMCB is a UMR with an average of 280 agents (permanent and non-permanent), with 3 tutelles, hosted by the CNRS and in total ZRR. The position is located in a sector covered by the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PSTP), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that the arrival of the agent be authorized by the competent authority of MESR.

Constraints and risks

With regard to synthesis, there are precautions to be taken that are specific to experiments involving high oxygen pressures, as well as those relating to the use of fluorinating agents, whether gaseous or solid.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between €3 041 gross and €3 467 gross according to experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions