Solid-State NMR for Materials M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

The CNRS 2024–2028 Strategic Plan (COMP) aims to place fundamental research at the service of major societal challenges, particularly in energy, environment, and health domains. Solid-state NMR plays a key role in these areas, especially for characterizing innovative materials (batteries, solid electrolytes, catalysts, porous materials, glasses, (bio)ceramics, cements, industrial polymers, soft matter including gels and coacervates, etc.), which are essential for the energy transition and for a sustainable, decarbonized industry.

In direct response to these priorities, the first objective is to improve resolution and sensitivity, particularly for quadrupolar and/or broad-band, low-sensitivity nuclei (such as ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N, ¹⁷O, ⁴⁷,⁴⁹Ti, ⁶⁷Zn, ⁴³Ca, ¹⁹⁵Pt) and for highly disordered or paramagnetic materials. Achieving this goal will require combining progress in high magnetic fields, the development of new measurement probes, and their coupling with polarization methods. Additionally, designing protocols tailored to these systems represents a major scientific and technological challenge.

The integration of operando and in situ NMR — requiring instruments capable of operating and tracking structural transformations under extreme real-world conditions (high temperature, high internal pressure, reactive atmospheres, irradiation, etc.) and/or as a function of reaction time, while maintaining high resolution and sensitivity — must be strengthened to directly address these priorities. This involves advancements in both equipment and experimental protocols.

NMR is also a major tool for studying multiscale local dynamics in materials (polymers and others) in relation to their mechanical properties. Solid-state NMR is increasingly combined with other techniques (X-ray diffraction, EPR, DFT and dynamic modeling, electron microscopy, neutron scattering, signal processing to optimize acquisition time and reduce artifacts) for multiscale material characterization.

Furthermore, this position will expand access to very high-field NMR platforms and advanced methods, benefiting both the academic community and industrial partners, thereby stimulating and fostering innovation. This multi-technique/interdisciplinary aspect is a major cross-cutting challenge to be reinforced.

Summary of the teaching project

The research theme of this CNRS chair can be adapted across the targeted universities in France, depending on the recruitment location. The successful candidate could contribute to teaching in material characterization using advanced analytical tools, including solid-state NMR, at the Bachelor's or Master's level, in initial training, apprenticeship programs, or engineering schools.

Potential host facilities

• INC - CNRS Chimie
• CRMN - Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs de Lyon
• LCMCP - Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris
• UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide
• CEMHTI - Conditions Extrêmes et Matériaux : Haute température et Irradiation

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

The four targeted laboratories have recognized teams in the field of solid-state NMR. Strengthening their contribution to the thematic focus of this project will consolidate the currently limited workforce in this area and enhance France's (inter)national visibility in the field

Institution Strategy

Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is now an essential technique for the fine characterization of materials. Current research focuses on several major axes: improving analytical methods, studying materials under extreme conditions, developing innovative materials for energy, health, and the environment, as well as nanomaterials, and integrating NMR with other characterization techniques.

Recent advancements include the development of very high-field spectrometers (up to 1.2 GHz), probes with very high spinning speeds (exceeding 100 kHz), and hyperpolarization equipment. These innovations now enable the study of challenging nuclei (such as protons and quadrupolar nuclei), paramagnetic centers, and functional surfaces/interfaces with enhanced resolution and sensitivity. Dedicated software for spectra simulation and chemical shift calculations have also been developed, facilitating data analysis and the extraction of structural and dynamic information. Furthermore, operando and in situ NMR is expanding to monitor in real time the formation and structural transformations of materials, particularly in complex environments such as catalytic reactors or batteries.

A significant focus is placed on studying materials for major societal applications: energy storage and conversion, catalysis, depollution, biomaterials, and materials for electronics, aeronautics, space, and construction. Research targets include in particular hybrid organic-inorganic oxides, oxide glasses, ceramics, cements, multiscale porous materials (zeolites, MOFs), hybrid perovskites, electrodes, and solid electrolytes. Solid-state NMR probes the local atomic environment, structural defects, atomic behavior at interfaces, and atomic dynamics, thereby providing crucial insights for optimizing materials properties.

Solid-state NMR for materials is a dynamic field, driving numerous methodological and technological advancements. Challenges in resolution, sensitivity, operando NMR, and multi-technologies approaches present opportunities to push the boundaries of knowledge and develop ever more efficient, recyclable, and sustainable materials. These objectives align perfectly with the priorities of the CNRS 2024–2028 Strategic Plan (COMP) and fit exactly within its major domains, particularly "Materials of the Future" and "Limitless Instrumentation," where expertise in materials NMR is in high demand.

International Strategy

The French scientific community in materials is highly active and has developed world-class expertise in the elaboration of industrial materials. In solid-state NMR, the demand currently exceeds the capacity of the various sites, and the number of applications for NMR in materials science continues to grow. The four selected sites have developed state-of-the-art equipment integrated into large-scale platforms, along with internationally recognized know-how, enjoying strong visibility and attractiveness. The development and integration of new solid-state NMR methodologies and technologies for characterizing new materials must be strengthened to optimize their design and, ultimately, their properties, leading to more efficient and sustainable materials of the future.

This project should promote networking and unite a national community at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Strengthening this theme of national and European interest should, in the short term, facilitate the formation of European networks.

Concentrating efforts and increasing expertise in this project's theme requires tailored training in universities and the recruitment of talented scientists already trained and experienced in this field.

The recruitment aligns with the international strategy by attracting foreign students and researchers, fostering partnerships with leading foreign institutions, and participating in European projects (e.g., Horizon Europe). It will also support joint degree programs and international collaborations, reinforcing France's role as a hub for advanced materials research and solid-state NMR. The project's visibility and interdisciplinary approach will enhance global academic and industrial partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation

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

The research professions