Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Inorganic Chemistry (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

This scientific project aims to synthesize organometallic complexes containing rare earth elements and actinides with large aromatic ligands, focusing on two main areas. The first involves studying the π-bond between the π-symmetric f orbitals of the metal and the corresponding π-symmetric orbitals of the ligand. In this way, we propose to identify ligands of different sizes and negative charges that can be used to synthesize and characterize metallic molecular structures, taking into account the versatility of the size and redox properties of the f-block elements. The second objective is to use these ligands to promote the formation of multimetallic assemblies in which the metal atoms are close enough to interact. Using these compounds, we aim to describe the covalent interactions between f-block elements, including interactions between f orbitals of Phi symmetry, leading to the emergence of a Phi-type metal-metal bond. In addition to these electronic characteristics, the electronic nature of these assemblies results in marked reactivity with small molecules. In particular, we propose to study in detail their reactivity with dinitrogen, which can be reduced and then functionalized to form ammonia or amines. The project will involve synthesizing actinide complexes with ligands developed by a team of doctoral and postdoctoral students in collaboration with Dr. Danoun.
Uranium and thorium complexes can be synthesized in the laboratory. For other metals, such as neptunium, plutonium, and heavier actinides, the postdoctoral fellow will travel to partner laboratories in the United States (Georgia Tech, the La Pierre Group, and UC Berkeley, the Abergel Group). Several trips lasting a few weeks each will be scheduled. The postdoctoral fellow must be familiar with the standard characterization techniques used in the group (X-ray diffraction, magnetism, EPR, NMR, UV-Vis-NIR, and infrared/Raman spectroscopy). In order to design syntheses involving radioactive actinides, numerous experiments will be conducted using non-radioactive elements under similar conditions. The postdoctoral fellow will also be responsible for characterization via absorption spectroscopy as part of a collaborative effort. In addition, he or she will contribute to the operational management of Dr. Nocton's research group. This includes supervising master's and bachelor's students and ensuring the proper maintenance and operation of the synthesis lab in accordance with the recommendations provided by funding agencies and the laboratory administration.

Activity

• Develop the organic synthesis of large aromatic ligands
• Synthesize lanthanide and uranium complexes with organic ligands in an inert atmosphere
• Characterize the complexes using routine methods such as X-ray diffraction, magnetism, EPR, NMR, UV-Vis-NIR, and infrared/Raman spectroscopy
• Participate in non-standard characterization of the complexes: magnetism, EPR, and XAS.
• Participate in the group's international collaborations; the postdoctoral fellow will be required to visit laboratories in the United States.
• Conduct scientific literature reviews related to the research topic.
• Prepare written reports and communicate results in accordance with the guidelines provided by the funding agency. • Participate in research seminars.
• Draft research results in scientific documents suitable for patent filing or publication.
• Supervise doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students in the research group.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the synthesis labs in accordance with the recommendations provided by the funding agencies, the research group leader, and the laboratory management.
• Participate in equipment maintenance tasks for the research group and the laboratory.

Your Profil

Skills

Knowledge: Organometallic synthesis, characterization techniques
Skills: Synthesis, NMR, UV
Interpersonal Skills: Respect for the chain of command, courtesy, empathy

Your Work Environment

Dr. Grégory Nocton's group is based in the Molecular Chemistry Laboratory (UMR 9168), a joint CNRS-École Polytechnique research unit. The group works on lanthanide and actinide complexes and has secured European funding (ERC) for the synthesis of organometallic complexes containing large aromatic carbon ligands to produce sandwich complexes of f-block elements. The goal is to study the phi bond (involving f orbitals) in these compounds and to move toward the synthesis of multinuclear complexes in which 4f and 5f ions are in close proximity (www.organo-f-synthesis.fr). The postdoctoral fellow will join the LCM (UMR 9168) at École Polytechnique, a unit comprising approximately 35 people. The research topics pursued in this laboratory lie at the molecule-metal interface and concern the reactivity of coordination complexes and their use in catalysis. All aspects, from the most fundamental to the most applied, are covered. Part of the laboratory's research programs is conducted in collaboration with international academic groups (Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the U.S., etc.). The laboratory benefits from the École Polytechnique campus, located in the heart of the Saclay Plateau, which is renowned for its scientific excellence, and thus offers a pleasant working environment.

Constraints and risks

N/A

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€3,081.33 and €4,291.70 gross per month

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