postdoc M/F

Job Description

Missions

In the context of global warming and depletion of drinking water sources, employing the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) in a water photoelectrolyser opens promising prospects for direct sun-to-H2 conversion using wastewaters as a feed. While considerable progress has been made recently on the interfacing of UOR-active electrocatalysts onto photoactive semiconductor-based photoanodes, the poor selectivity of the UOR reaction for the production of environmentally safe N2 through the “sustainable pathway” has been recently identified as a major issue. This research project aims to use metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-modified electrodes. The molecular modularity offered by MOFs will allow us to systematically investigate the key parameters governing N2 selectivity and gain fundamental mechanistic insights into their roles. Building on our recent work, this project will explore organic ligand engineering to elucidate the role of ligand-urea interaction and determine their impact on catalytic activity, reaction pathways, and selectivity. Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this study will contribute to the rational design of highly selective UOR electrocatalysts.

Activity

Primary responsibilities
-Design and carry out the multistep synthesis of organic ligands.
-Prepare and optimize the synthesis of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs).
-Perform the structural and physicochemical characterization of the synthesized MOFs using single-crystal and/or powder X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD, PXRD), as well as infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy.
-Deposit MOFs onto various types of electrodes and optimize surface functionalization protocols.
-Characterize the electrodes before and after electrolysis using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
-Investigate electrode stability and reaction mechanisms using in situ and operando characterization techniques.
-Analyze electrolytes before and after electrolysis by ion chromatography (IC) and gas chromatography (GC) to identify and quantify reaction products.

Secondary responsibilities
-Participate in regular research group meetings and present research progress.
-Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of experimental results in collaboration with other project members.
-Contribute to the preparation of scientific and technical reports related to the project.
-Participate in the preparation of scientific publications and the dissemination of project results through conference presentations and peer-reviewed articles.
-Contribute to the smooth operation of the laboratory by complying with health and safety regulations, maintaining laboratory equipment, and managing the consumables required for research activities.

Your Profil

Skills

-Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, particularly in multistep synthesis.
-Good knowledge of electrochemistry and electrocatalysis.
-Experience in the synthesis and characterization of hybrid materials, particularly Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs), would be highly appreciated.
-Proficiency in common physicochemical characterization techniques for materials (X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, microscopy), or the ability to rapidly acquire these skills.
-Strong interest in multidisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and electrochemistry.
-Ability to design, plan, and conduct research activities independently.
-Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to manage multiple experimental activities in parallel.
-Initiative, autonomy, and problem-solving skills in addressing experimental challenges.
-Ability to work effectively within a research team and collaborate with different scientific partners.
-Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize and interpret scientific results.
-Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, particularly for scientific publications and the presentation of research results.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will be recruited within the framework of a collaborative research project between the M3 team of the Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal (CRPP, UMR 5031 CNRS – University of Bordeaux) and the NSysa team of the Institut des Sciences Moléculaires (ISM, UMR 5255 CNRS – University of Bordeaux). The candidate will share their activities between the two laboratories and will benefit from their complementary expertise in organic synthesis, materials science, and electrochemistry. They will work closely with researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, engineers, and technical staff from both teams.

Constraints and risks

-Handling of chemical products (organic solvents, synthetic reagents, acidic or alkaline electrolytes).
-Use of X-ray radiation-generating equipment (XRD diffractometers), in compliance with applicable radiation protection procedures.
-Use of laboratory equipment
-Compliance with health and safety regulations and completion of mandatory training.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,041 and €4,216 gross per month, depending on 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