Missions

While the still increasing concentration of
atmospheric CO2 triggers massive and global environmental issues, the global demand for energy is still growing. Therefore, the conversion and utilization of CO2 using a clean source of energy is an urgent but challenging prospect. Photochemical CO2 reduction tends to mimic natural photosynthesis by using solar light energy to drive the formation of valuable compounds and to convert CO2 into so-called solar fuels.
CO2 is a thermodynamically stable molecule, such that standard thermocatalytic conversion processes require energy demanding high temperature and high pressure conditions. Photo-electrochemical (PEC) process, on the other hand, use solar energy and a limited electrical complement to drive the catalytic reaction.
Within the ANR project GASPER, a large consortium of chemists and physicists aims at developing new architectures and molecular materials for the novel energy efficient PEC cells.
Ultrafast spectroscopy is the tool of choice for studying the light-induced photo-chemical processes that are at work in these cells, and how they can be optimised by a chemical design.

Activities

The post-doc researcher will conduct femtosecond spectroscopy experiments, transient absorption as well as fluorescence, in the visible and near-IR spectral ranges on fully assembled PECs. In particular, it will be important to develop the rarely used approach of diffusive reflectance pump-probe spectroscopy.
He or she will be in charge of co-supervising a master student working on the same subject. A contribution to tutored projects for master's and bachelor students, to the proper organization and development of our ultra-fast spectroscopy facilities, as well as to fundraising is expected.


The candidates must hold a doctorate in Physics or Physical Chemistry. This position requires a solid background in ultrafast molecular spectroscopy and nonlinear optics, and is a must for recruitement. Additional qualifications such as training and supervision of master students, and proficiency in Python and/or Matlab are valuable assets.

Skills

The candidates must hold a doctorate in Physics or Physical Chemistry. This position requires a solid background in ultrafast molecular spectroscopy and nonlinear optics, and is a must for recruitement. Additional qualifications such as training and supervision of master students, and proficiency in Python and/or Matlab are valuable assets.

Work Context

At the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Materials in Strasbourg, our research team studies retinal proteins since more than twenty years by ultrafast spectroscopy. Within the latest ANR project UltrArchae, a PhD project was entirely devoted to the experimental investigation of the excited state properties of Archaerhodopsin-3 and its fluorescent mutants.

The IPCMS is an interdisciplinary laboratory for physics and chemistry with a total staff of 230 people. Located on the Cronenbourg campus, it is easily accessible by public transport and bicycle, only 20 minutes away from the historic city center of Strasbourg.
BIODYN (“Biophysics and Dynamics of Organic Nanostructures”) is a research team led by A. Boyer, J. Léonard and S. Haacke (https://www.ipcms.fr/en/equipe/biodyn/).

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Laser safety
Minor chemical hazards (solvent handling)