Postdoctoral position (M/F) in the structural characterisation of a conductive polymer
- Researcher in FTC
- 12 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Institut Charles Sadron
Contract Type
Researcher in FTC
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
67034 STRASBOURG
Contract Duration
12 months
Date of Hire
01/01/2027
Remuneration
from 3072 € monthly gross salary according to experience
Apply Application Deadline : 23 October 2026 23:59
Job Description
Missions
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the molecular-scale structural characterisation of a polymer complex (PEDOT:PSS), the structure of which remains a subject of considerable debate within the global scientific community. The aim will be to transfer and adapt the approaches developed in structural biology for the reconstruction of cryo-TEM structures to the field of chemistry.
The project is funded by the CNRS Chemistry Division.
Activity
The aim of this research project is to develop a quasi-atomic-scale 3D model of PEDOT:PSS fibres (a pi-conjugated, semiconducting polymer) dispersed in water. This polymer complex is a benchmark in numerous fields of energy (photovoltaics, thermoelectricity, sensors, etc.), bioelectronics and biomedicine, in both industrial and academic contexts. The approach used to reveal the structure combines (1) high-resolution cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and (2) image analysis using software such as RELION or cryoSPARC. This methodology has already been widely used in structural biology but has not yet been applied sufficiently to polymers. Our aim is therefore to apply the same approaches to PEDOT:PSS. Using high-resolution cryo-TEM datasets, we will analyse the structures present in the micrographs and select features based on their morphology. A step to optimise the image processing parameters, which will help to obtain average 2D classes, will then be necessary. Subsequently, it will be possible to verify the quality of the 2D classes through comparative X-ray diffraction analyses. The ultimate aim is to obtain a 3D reconstruction and refine the structural model by taking into account X-ray diffraction data (SAXS-WAXS) and the literature on the structure of PEDOT:PSS
This methodology, which has already been developed in our laboratory, has yet to be applied to polymers. This is exploratory and innovative work. The lack of a global scientific consensus will help to illustrate how cryo-TEM and image reconstruction can provide key insights.
Your Profil
Skills
• A master's degree and/or PhD in structural biology or cryo-TEM image reconstruction.
• Reconstruction of structures from cryo-TEM images.
• Proficiency in RELION or cryoSPARC.
• Experience in the reconstruction of helical systems would be an advantage.
• Use of a Linux operating system for code development (bash, Python) and image analysis.
• Management of large-scale scientific data (images and processing) and critical literature review of state-of-the-art methods.
• Communication skills in a multidisciplinary environment (physical chemistry, microscopy and image analysis).
• Ability to manage a scientific project independently.
• Scientific communication (reports, oral presentations, articles).
Your Work Environment
The research project will be carried out within the SYFOS (Structured Functional Systems) team, one of the seven teams at the Charles Sadron Institute. The ICS is a research institute of the CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) affiliated with the University of Strasbourg (Unistra), internationally recognised for its research in macromolecular science and self-assembled systems. The project will be carried out within a multidisciplinary team comprising Laure Biniek (expert in conjugated polymers), Alexis Bigo-Simon (specialist in self-assembly, image processing and 3D structural reconstruction), Marc Schmutz (expert in cryo-TEM) and Jérôme Combet (specialist in X-ray diffraction). The postdoctoral researcher will also work in collaboration with staff from the ICS's electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction platforms.
The IT infrastructure will also include workstations fitted with state-of-the-art graphics cards, as well as a new internal computing cluster currently being rolled out.
The Charles Sadron Institute is investing in cutting-edge scientific equipment to foster innovative research. The research institute has set up various committees to promote a good quality of life at work and ensure the representation of technical staff and those on fixed-term contracts. The laboratory is committed to sustainable development and reducing its environmental impact. Further details are available on the laboratory's website: https://www.ics-cnrs.unistra.fr/presentation.html.
Constraints and risks
No specific restrictions or risks.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
from 3072 € monthly gross salary according to 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
| Offer reference | UPR22-LAUBIN-006 |
|---|---|
| Relevant experience | 1 to 4 years |
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.
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