Fixed-Term Contract: Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in the Synthesis of Innovative Materials for Photocatalysis

Job Description

Missions

At the Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials in Poitiers (IC2MP, UMR CNRS 7285), you will contribute to the development of photocatalysts based on carbon nitride derivatives for the sustainable production of solar hydrogen through water photolysis. Your primary responsibility will be to synthesize, characterize, and optimize microporous carbon nitrides obtained by replicating the porosity of zeolites, in collaboration with the SAMCat team and partners in the ANR ZENITH project.

Activity

- Design, implement, and optimize a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for synthesizing carbon nitride derivatives within selected zeolites.
- Develop the various synthesis steps and study the influence of the zeolites' structure, texture, and composition on the resulting materials.
- Characterize the materials using X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas physisorption, electron microscopy, and solid-state IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy, as well as other appropriate complementary methods.
- Analyze the relationships between structure, porosity, composition, defect density, and optical/optoelectronic properties, particularly visible light absorption and photo-induced charge separation.
- Participate in evaluating the photocatalytic performance of materials for hydrogen production under solar irradiation, in collaboration with CEMHTI (CNRS Orléans).
- Interpret results, propose optimization strategies, and present progress reports at ZENITH consortium meetings.
- Contribute to the drafting of scientific reports.

Your Profil

Skills

Qualifications
You hold a Ph.D. in materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, solid-state chemistry, or a related field, and have experience in the synthesis and/or characterization of materials. One to two years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
Required Skills
- Experience in the synthesis and development of solid, porous, or functional materials, with the ability to develop experimental protocols.
- Proficiency in structural, textural, and spectroscopic characterization techniques: XRD, gas physisorption, electron microscopy, IR, Raman, and/or solid-state NMR.
- Ability to analyze experimental data and correlate the structure, texture, composition, and optical or optoelectronic properties of materials.
- Independence, scientific rigor, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and communicate results.
Additional Qualifications
Experience in zeolite chemistry, carbon nitride synthesis, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or photocatalysis would be appreciated, though it is not a prerequisite. Knowledge of optoelectronic properties and photo-induced charge separation phenomena would also be an asset. The candidate must demonstrate scientific curiosity, creativity, and initiative in solving experimental problems. He or she must be able to conduct research independently while integrating into a multidisciplinary team and participating in the consortium's scientific exchanges and reports.

Your Work Environment

You will join the CNRS, specifically the IC2MPhttps://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/, located in Poitiers, and more specifically the SAMCat team (From Active Site to Catalytic Material). IC2MP conducts research in materials chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable processes, while the SAMCat team focuses on porous and hybrid materials and the relationships between structure, properties, and performance. As part of the ANR ZENITH project, this position will combine materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and photocatalytic evaluation for solar hydrogen production. Scientific collaborations and research assignments at CEMHTI (CNRS Orléans) are planned to carry out specific photocatalysis measurements and complementary characterizations.

Constraints and risks

Standard chemical hazards.
The candidate will be subject to the laboratory's internal regulations regarding all health and safety rules.
Occasional assignments in France or abroad are possible.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,041.58 to €3,467.33 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