Transient intermediates. Time-resolved chemistry (TITIREC) M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

Transient species (radicals, ions, excited states, singlet oxygen, etc.) play a key role in numerous chemical, biological, and environmental processes, such as atmospheric photochemistry, energy conversion, photocatalysis, and pollutant degradation. Their extremely short lifetimes (from femtoseconds to nanoseconds) make their study particularly challenging, requiring time-resolved spectroscopy techniques and advanced theoretical approaches.

The objectives are to: characterize the dynamics of transient species in model systems and complex environments; understand the underlying reaction mechanisms involved in the formation and disappearance of these species, by combining ultrafast spectroscopy (transient absorption, time-resolved fluorescence, XUV spectroscopy) and theoretical modeling (molecular dynamics, ab initio calculations).

This research may, for example, address: photocatalysis for clean energy production; degradation of emerging pollutants (PFAS, pharmaceuticals) through advanced oxidation processes; design of photoactive materials for optoelectronics or biophotonics.

Summary of the teaching project

The chair will offer innovative teaching in Physical Chemistry, tailored to the needs of partner universities and industrial challenges. These courses will be delivered at both the bachelor's and master's levels, with a strong practical component (laboratory work, supervised projects, and internships in research labs or companies)

Potential host facilities

• INC - CNRS Chimie
• LCPMR - Laboratoire de Chimie Physique - Matière et Rayonnement
• ICP - Institut de Chimie Physique
• LASIRe - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Interactions, la Réactivité et l'Environnement
• PPSM - Photophysique et Photochimie Supramoléculaires et Macromoléculaires

Your Profil

Profile Required

Holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific qualifications or carried out scientific work deemed to be of an equivalent level.There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability

Your Work Environment

Host Lab Strategy

ICP
ICP is a leading laboratory for the study of transient species and time-resolved chemistry, thanks to its unique infrastructure and expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy and modeling. The ICP houses state-of-the-art technical platforms for time-resolved spectro-imaging, including: the ELYSE accelerator, dedicated to ultrafast pulse radiolysis and photolysis, as well as transient absorption in the UV-Visible range; the CLIO free-electron laser, coupled with infrared mass spectrometry; femtosecond transient absorption setups, time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC), and nonlinear optical spectroscopy (2C-SFG, SHG).

LASIRE
LASIRE is a major player in the study of transient species and time-resolved chemistry, with recognized expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy and molecular modeling. It develops and employs time-resolved spectroscopic techniques (femtosecond, transient absorption, fluorescence, NMR, EPR) to investigate reaction mechanisms and transient species (radicals, excited states, etc.) in complex systems, ranging from biomaterials to photoactive materials. The laboratory implements both steady-state and transient electronic and vibrational spectroscopies, as well as modeling approaches (ab initio, molecular dynamics) to understand molecular interactions and photoinduced processes. Additionally, LASIRE is involved in femtosecond spectroscopy and super-resolution imaging projects, particularly for the study of photoactive systems and biomaterials.

LCPMR
LCPMR develops time-resolved X-ray, XUV, and electron spectroscopy techniques, enabling the study of the dynamics of transient species (radicals, ions, excited states) with high temporal resolution. These methods are essential for tracking ultrafast reaction mechanisms, particularly under the influence of radiation or photoexcitation. The laboratory uses tools such as the MOSARIX spectrometer at SOLEIL, which combines high temporal resolution with sensitivity to changes in molecular structure. This paves the way for the study of fundamental processes in radiation chemistry and photochemistry.

PPSM
PPSM is a laboratory specializing in the study of photophysical and photochemical processes, with strong expertise in the synthesis of photoactive molecules and materials, as well as in the analysis of their properties. The PPSM develops optical methods capable of tracking nanoscale modifications in real time and with high lateral resolution, for the study of functional and activatable surfaces. This includes photo- or electro-activated luminescence switching, as well as the use of plasmonic nano-objects to confer specific properties to surfaces. The research also focuses on the synthesis of bio/photoactive molecules and fluorescence spectroscopy, which often involves studying transient species (excited states, radicals, etc.) and their reaction dynamics.

Institution Strategy

The CNRS has unique expertise in the chemistry of reaction intermediates and time-resolved analysis. To understand the mechanisms underlying chemical transformations, analyzing transient species is a key element. These species, formed over extremely short timescales (from micro- to femtoseconds), play a critical role in many reaction mechanisms and consequently affect the overall efficiency of the reactions. Detecting and quantifying these species remains a major challenge due to their very short lifetimes and low concentrations. The development of advanced analytical techniques helps overcome these limitations by significantly improving temporal resolution or sensitivity. Combining spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution could also enable new breakthroughs, particularly in imaging. These research areas align with the CNRS strategy and are supported for example by the PEPR LUMA, for which the CNRS is a co-leader.

International Strategy

Europe holds a leading position in research on transient species and time-resolved chemistry, thanks to its unique infrastructures such as lasers and synchrotrons. These include access to ultrafast radiation sources (ELI – Extreme Light Infrastructure, ESRF, SOLEIL, CLIO) for pump-probe spectroscopy, transient absorption, or time-resolved diffraction studies, as well as radiolysis and photolysis platforms (ELYSE or XFEL) to simulate and analyze reactions under ionizing radiation, with a particular focus on transient species (radicals, ions, excited states). Recruiting a talented junior professor would invigorate French research in this field and attract international students and researchers. The chair will build on existing networks to enhance France's appeal and foster scientific exchanges. Attracting a young, highly skilled researcher—potentially trained abroad in countries that have developed such activities—appears feasible through the CPJ (tenure track position) program, which will provide tailored support to help the laureate launch their project.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Annual salary from 54 600 Euros to 57 800 Euros depending on professionnal experience.

Total funding

200k€

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€

Research Policy

Open Science

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

Science and society

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project’s socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Scientific dissemination

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

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

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