Young researcher for Experimental and theoretical investigation of reaction mechanisms relevant to atmospheric and astrochemical chemistry – M/F

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Study and characterize short-lived species by infrared spectroscopy, isolated in cryogenic matrices and formed through atom-molecule or molecule-molecule reactions. These reactions will focus in particular on hemiterpene derivatives (isoprene derivatives) and other organic compounds reacting with oxidants such as halogenated radicals or ozone.
- Investigate the evolution of molecular precursors under UV irradiation (photolysis) in cryogenic matrices and characterize the species formed during these processes.
- Monitor the formation of final products in the gas phase by infrared spectroscopy and GC-MS during atom-molecule or molecule-molecule reactions, as well as under UV photolysis conditions.
- Investigate gas-phase atom-molecule and molecule-molecule reactions using UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UV-PES) and characterize the species formed during the reaction processes based on their ionization potentials.
- Perform quantum chemical calculations to support the assignment of experimental spectra (IR, UV and UV-PES) and the determination of the electronic and vibrational structures of the precursors and short-lived species formed during these processes. These calculations will also be used to investigate the associated reaction mechanisms and to gain an overall understanding of the underlying reactivity.

The initial contract duration is 12 months, potentially renewable for an additional 9 months.

Activity

- Design and development of an experimental setup for generating reaction intermediates through atom-molecule or molecule-molecule reactions, coupled to a cryostat or a vacuum line.
- Characterization of organic precursors and species formed during atom-molecule or molecule-molecule reactions, using FT-IR spectroscopy in cryogenic matrices and/or UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UV-PES) in the gas phase.
- Development of a gas-phase experimental cell for the analysis of final products resulting from UV photolysis processes or atom-molecule reactions, as well as for monitoring the kinetics of photo-induced processes using FT-IR spectroscopy and GC-MS.
- Quantum chemical calculations on the electronic and vibrational structures of the species under investigation, as well as on the associated reaction mechanisms.
- Analysis and interpretation of experimental and theoretical data, and comparison and integration of the results.
- Supervision of undergraduate, Master's, and PhD students involved in the experimental and/or theoretical activities of the project.
- Contribution to maintaining the safety and cleanliness of experimental facilities and equipment, in accordance with the laboratory's safety regulations, as well as participation in other activities of collective interest.

Your Profil

Skills

- PhD in Physical-Chemistry or Chemistry
- Experience in cryogenic matrix isolation techniques
- Experience in the development and optimization of experimental setups in physical chemistry
- Experience in molecular spectroscopies, including techniques such as FT-IR, UV-Vis, and emission spectroscopy
- Knowledge of vacuum techniques is highly desirable
- Experience in molecular modelling
- Good written and spoken English skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Ability to work on a project combining experimental and theoretical approaches
- Good communication skills
- Ability to write scientific reports and research articles
- Willingness to travel as part of national and international collaborations

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at the "Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, IPREM-UMR 5254 (https://iprem.univ-pau.fr/fr/index.html. Hélioparc, 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053 Pau cedex 09 - France). The researcher will be affiliated with the Analytical, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (CAPT) scientific division.
IPREM is a joint research unit of the CNRS and Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA) (UMR 5254). With approximately 300 members, IPREM conducts fundamental research in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and microbiology, with applications related to the structure of living systems, environmental management, and the structural, electronic, and spectroscopic properties of various classes of materials and molecular systems. Its expertise encompasses analytical strategies, modelling, physicochemical approaches, detailed investigations of structure and reactivity, and the development, characterization, and implementation of systems at different scales.
The host research team focuses on understanding the reactivity of molecular systems through an approach combining experimental and theoretical methods. In particular, the team investigates the relationships between the structure and electronic or vibrational properties of molecular species, whether stable or transient, using a range of spectroscopic techniques, including gas-phase UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UV-PES) and infrared (IR) or UV-Visible spectroscopy in cryogenic matrices. The team also investigates chemical reactions under thermal and photochemical conditions. In addition, it has expertise in the use of computational chemistry to study structure-property relationships in a variety of molecular compounds, particularly organic and organometallic compounds and transition-metal complexes. These approaches also make it possible to describe unusual bonding modes and the associated reaction mechanisms.

Contacts
Alejandro Gutierrez Quintanilla : a.gutierrez-quintanilla@univ-pau.fr
Karinne Miqueu : karinne.miqueu@univ-pau.fr

Constraints and risks

- The role involves carrying out experimental work in a laboratory using UV light sources. Some experiments may involve handling halogen gases (which are toxic, corrosive and irritant), in accordance with the laboratory's current safety procedures. Compliance with chemical safety procedures and the wearing of appropriate protective equipment are mandatory.
- Business trips in France and abroad

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 2 991,58 € and 4 756,76 € gross monthly according 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