Research Engineer in Materials Synthesis and Characterization for Photocatalysis (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Join the CH2EESE project (https://www.cnrs-imn.fr/en/projects-collaborations/academic-projects/ch2eese-project/), an interdisciplinary initiative aiming to convert dairy effluents into green hydrogen and high value-added molecules using innovative photo(electro)catalytic processes. This project is coordinated by Clément Maheu, a researcher at the CNRS. As part of a consortium of four laboratories, the Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel (IMN) is recruiting a researcher to synthesize, characterize and test photo(electro)catalytic materials. The successful candidate will be responsible for synthesizing and characterizing inorganic materials (chalcogenides, mixed anions, oxides) for photocatalytic applications. The successful candidate will be supported by CNRS researchers Maria Teresa Caldes and Houria Kabbour. This person will graft molecular co-catalysts developed at the neighboring CEISAM laboratory, with the support of CNRS researcher Fabrice Odobel, and will test the resulting hybrid materials for the photoconversion of sugars. The candidate will assist the project leader in managing and coordinating the consortium (IMN, CEISAM, GEPEA, InTerACT).

Activity

Materials synthesis: Preparation of powders using solid-state and solvothermal methods (on-site training available).

Advanced characterization: Use of XRD, XPS, microscopy techniques, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy via the PLASSMAT platform (https://plassmat.cnrs-imn.fr/en/) (in collaboration with and following training by dedicated technical staff).

Photocatalytic tests: Grafting of molecular co-catalysts (in collaboration with CEISAM) and analysis of the gas and liquid phases during the reaction by chromatography using the AMaCC platform (https://ceisam.univ-nantes.fr/equipements/plateforme-amacc/). Operation, maintenance and optimization of the IMN's photocatalytic setup. Collaboration with GEPEA to provide data on the various catalytic reactors used, as well as on process parameters.

Project management: Writing experimental reports, presenting results, and interacting with project partners; ensuring data management and traceability.

Your Profil

Skills

Education: Master's degree or equivalent (BAC+5) in chemistry, physical chemistry or materials science.

Technical skills: Knowledge of inorganic synthesis and materials characterization. Previous experience with one or more of the materials characterizations and/or chemical analysis techniques mentioned above would be an advantage. Experience in photocatalysis or heterogeneous catalysis would be welcome.

Cross-disciplinary / soft skills: precision in laboratory procedures, ability to analyze complex results and take a step back, and organizational skills to work independently. Adaptability and a collaborative spirit to interact with a multidisciplinary consortium. Writing skills (reports, presentations) and a good level in scientific English. Communication skills would be an asset in promoting the consortium's work through physical or digital media.

We strongly encourage applications from people who are enthusiastic about the project, even if their profile does not perfectly match all the criteria. We firmly believe that technical skills can be learnt quickly when the right attitude and motivation are in place.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will join the IMN (UMR 6502) (Nantes, Lombarderie campus), a leading research laboratory in the field of materials. The laboratory's 220 staff members are dedicated to developing innovative materials to address current and future challenges, particularly those relating to the energy transition and environmental protection.
The successful candidate will enjoy a friendly, supportive, safe and stimulating working environment: the Quality of Life and Working Conditions Group is dynamic and is animated by more than thirty people; SYRA, the association for non-permanent staff, organizes several social events throughout the year; and the successful candidate will undertake several training courses on laboratory safety. She/he will also have access to and receive training on the equipment at the PLASSMAT platform (XPS, DRX, TEM, etc.) and the IMN's synthesis equipment. The successful candidate will be required to visit CEISAM (also located on the Lombarderie campus in Nantes) on a regular basis to carry out photocatalytic tests and use the AMaCC platform.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join the stimulating CH2EESE consortium. On the one hand, this interdisciplinary project – situated at the interface between materials science, catalysis, process engineering, and the humanities and social sciences – encourages open-mindedness and a critical examination of our practices in technological innovation. Furthermore, this project aligns with regional priorities (ecological transition, the circular economy, the hydrogen sector and the support for the peasant farming sector) and offers high visibility thanks to its funding from the CNRS and the Région Pays de la Loire.

Constraints and risks

No particular risks have been identified (apart from enjoying the world of interdisciplinary research…). Travel for meetings and conferences is to be expected.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €2,521.95 and €2,688.76 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