Post-doc position in ultrafast spectroscopy of gas diffusion photo-electrodes (M/F)

Job Description

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.

Activity

The post-doc researcher will conduct femtosecond spectroscopy experiments, transient absorption as well as fluorescence, in the visible and near-IR spectral ranges on films of CIGS and 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.

Your Profil

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.

Your Work Environment

The IPCMS, Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Materials in Strasbourg, 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. Public transport tickets are refunded by the CNRS up to 75%, and catering on site with meal is subsidized by the CNRS.

At IPCMS, our research team BIODYN (www.ipcms.fr/en/equipe/biodyn/) has a long-standing experience in ultrafast spectroscopy studies of molecular materials, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).
The research team is led by J. Léonard and S. Haacke.
The position should ideally be filled by Sept 1st, 2026.

Constraints and risks

Laser safety
Minor chemical hazards (solvent handling)

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3071,50 to 4258,37€ €/month gross salary 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