Fixed-Term Researcher (M/F) for the Development of 17O NMR at Natural Abundance

Job Description

Missions

At the CNRS, in the CEMHTI laboratory (Extreme Conditions and Materials: High Temperature and Irradiation) in Orléans (France), the MatRMag team (Materials and Magnetic Resonance) is recruiting an engineer to work on solid-state NMR characterization of model inorganic material surfaces and weathered glasses in the context of environmental challenges.

Activity

The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to:
- develop an action plan (in consultation with the OSONS consortium)
- conduct a multinuclear NMR structural study to characterize healthy and altered samples
- implement relevant NMR sequences to specifically characterize the surface of the materials of interest using solid-state 17O NMR.
- process and model the spectra,
- analyze and interpret the measurements,
- interact regularly with the various members of the OSONS project team
- present results at conferences
- author one or more publications
- compile a report summarizing all the results of the work: bibliographic references, NMR spectra, characterizations of glasses and surfaces, mechanisms, etc.

Your Profil

Skills

Ph.D. in NMR with experience in the characterization of inorganic materials. Knowledge in the field of glasses or mineral surfaces is a plus.
1) Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to take responsibility for one's work
2) Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
3) Proficiency in project management and planning
4) Strong written and oral communication skills in French and English
5) Analytical and synthesis skills, attention to detail, and meticulousness in experimental work
6) Ability to comply with health and safety regulations specific to the field

Your Work Environment

CEMHTI is an independent CNRS research unit spread across two nearby sites (High Temperature and Cyclotron) and comprising approximately 105 staff members. The laboratory develops expertise and innovative tools at the national and international levels, particularly for the in situ study of the physicochemical properties of materials under extreme conditions. The MatRMag team at CEMHTI (UPR 3079 CNRS, Orléans) has, since late 2025, had access to the first prototype of a magic-angle spin probe with cryogenic detection operating at a high magnetic field of 20.0 T. It also possesses recognized expertise in the implementation of multi-pulse methods for sensitivity enhancement. This innovative analytical approach using solid-state NMR enables unprecedented exploration of the molecular oxide arrangements present on the surface of glasses, which is crucial for modeling reaction mechanisms. As part of the OSONS (Explore 2026) team project, researchers from the team have come together to apply these measurements to several strategic areas of glass development (reducing its carbon footprint, mechanical performance of phase-separated glasses, and functionalization of glass surfaces). The glasses will be synthesized and aging (or chemical exposure) experiments under accelerated conditions in aqueous solution and under atmospheric conditions will be conducted at CEMHTI. This will be followed by multinuclear NMR characterization, which will be supplemented by ion beam analysis (IBA) of the surfaces and standard physicochemical characterization of the materials. The experiments will primarily use the Bruker 850 MHz NMR spectrometer with its cryogenic detection system. In addition, the laboratory's other NMR spectrometers, UV-visible-IR, FT-IR, and Raman spectrometry equipment, the RBS-NRA-ERDA devices of the Pelletron accelerator, drying ovens and climatic chambers, and high-temperature furnaces may be utilized. The successful candidate will work at both of the laboratory's sites and will report to the MatRmag team leader. Annual leave: 44 days. Staff cafeteria located nearby; lush, green surroundings on the CNRS campus in Orléans. Partial coverage of supplemental health insurance (PSC) provided by the employer.

Constraints and risks

NMR spectroscopy may expose individuals to electromagnetic fields. The Pelletron accelerator is located in a radiological hazard zone. Glass fabrication, aging experiments, and the use of vibrational spectroscopy require strict adherence to safety guidelines regarding chemical, thermal, and electrical hazards. In all cases, best practices and the use of recommended personal protective equipment must be followed.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3041€ monthly

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