CDD Post-doc in physics or chemical physics on the formation of molecules under extreme conditions.(M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon (IP2I), a joint laboratory of IN2P3/CNRS and Claude Bernard Lyon-1 University, is offering a fixed-term postdoctoral position to work on the DIAM project. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the experimental activities of the Particle-Matter Interaction (IPM) team using the DIAM (Molecular Cluster Irradiation Device) apparatus. The scientific context of the project is part of the key steps of prebiotic evolution that can occur under various conditions involving different time and space scales: the formation of atomic nuclei, inorganic molecules, organic precursor molecules, the formation of the basic elements of life, including the formation under abiotic conditions of functional polymers necessary for the emergence of primitive life. Recent developments in astrophysical instrumentation have opened new windows onto the Universe, and many complex molecules have been observed in space in various contexts. The DIAM project focuses on the fundamental aspects of the interaction between molecules in extra-terrestrial environments where low density, irradiation and low temperature are involved. In this context, the project will focus on model situations, such as water clusters or molecules of prebiotic interest, combining experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. The development of a jet of helium nanodroplets on the device opens up the possibility of integrating atoms, molecules or molecular clusters into a cold quantum environment in order to study these model systems under extreme conditions. The doped droplet will then be irradiated by proton impact, with the aim of addressing thermalisation in relation to intra-cluster reactivity under such extreme conditions. The successful candidate will focus primarily on conducting experiments on clusters of interest, integrating the upgrade of the acquisition system, time-of-flight mass spectrometry and correlated detection techniques, in collaboration with the project team. He (She) will take part in data collection, statistical analysis of results, simulation development, DFT calculations of clusters of interest, and the development of an ambitious statistical model.
(1) H. Abdoul-Carime et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 54, 14685 (2015)
(2) L. Feketeová, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (2019)
(3) D. Comte, et al.,J. Phys. Chem. A, 127, 775 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.2c08248
(4) Thibaud Salbaing, et al., J. Chem. Phys. 160, 094301 (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0190182

Activity

Characterization and control of the acquisition system
Testing of the dedicated detection system
Participation in measurement campaigns
Statistical analysis of data
Development of Monte Carlo simulation
DFT quantum chemistry calculations
Development of a statistical model of the collision
Writing of articles
Supervision of students
Participation in conferences on the subject

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants should hold a PhD in physics or chemical-physics. The candidates are expected to
• be able to integrate and work in a team, while leading a specific scientific effort and contributing to the general experimental program
• Experience in experimental physics
• Skills in the following areas are expected: data acquisition, statistical data analysis, mass spectrometry, atmospheric physics, radiation science, laboratory astrophysics, cluster physics. Candidates must hold a PhD in physics or physical chemistry

Your Work Environment

The postdoc candidate will work closely with the IP2I IPM group and the IP2I technical staff of the DIAM project. This work will be done in close collaboration with the long-standing theoretical and experimental collaborations of the IPM group.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting from 3071 gross/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