Description du sujet de thèse

Chirality is not only a hallmark of life, it has also important implications in physics and in chemistry. Chirality has recently appeared in materials science and chiral nano-technology. It is an emerging domain of science with new possibilities in opto-electronics due to the effects of chirality in light-matter and charge-matter interactions, with applications in OLEDs, cryptography, sensors. Related to interactions with spins, chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS effect) has been recently discovered in helical systems onto surfaces and has opened a novel research domain with many applications in spintronics-based devices such as magnetic memories or spin valves for information storage.
In this PhD work, we aim to develop novel chiral hybrid systems based on helical molecules bearing organometallic and switching units that will be self-assembled onto metallic surfaces. We expect these chiral self-assembled monolayers to display many chirality-related fascinating properties increased by the metal atom such chiral switching activity with the photochromic unit or chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS effect).
Within the OMC team at ISCR, Dr. Jeanne Crassous is dealing with chirality and helicenes chemistry while Prof. Stéphane Rigaut is expert of switching metallo-organic architectures with photochromic units. In this PhD project, different types of helical structures (helicene-DTE-ruthenium conjugates, where DTE = dithienylethene) will be synthesized and self-assembled onto metallic surfaces. Thanks to several collaborations, the as-obtained chiral materials will be used 1) under the presence of an electric current for electrochemistry, 2) under the presence of light for studying its switching activity, and 3) under the presence of a magnetic field to study the CISS effect.
This interdisciplinary work will be performed through the ANR consortium CHIRELECMOL with chemists and physicists, and between different laboratories (MACSE team at ISCR Rennes; CHIROPOLE, Marseille; and IEMN, Lille), that will allow the student to acquire different complementary knowledges

Selected references: a) J. Crassous, et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 7709; b) S. Rigaut, et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2019. 141, 20026; c) J. Crassous, et al. Chem. Rev. 2019, 119, 8846; d) S. Rigaut, O. Galangau, Chem. Chem. Eur. J. 2024, 30, e202402788; e) P. Bloom, et al. Chem. Rev. 2024, 124, 1950

The candidate must have a master degree in chemistry. The position requires knowledge in chirality, skills in synthetic chemistry (organic and organometallic), purification methods, characterization techniques, spectroscopic tools, data processing softwares, a high level of oral and written (French and/or English required) communication skills, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity. We are looking for a PhD fellow who will be able to become fully involved within the project, with a thirst for knowledge, a certain independence of thought and strong motivation to develop scientific skills in chiral materials science, together with soft skills. In addition, the candidate must be motivated to work in a team on multi-disciplinary projects.

Applications should include a detailed CV; at least two references (people who may be contac¬ted); a cover letter of one page; a one-page résumé of the dissertation for the Masters; grades for the Masters 1 or 2 or the engineering degree). Note: Our Institute is submitted to security conditions (Restricted Research Zone, ZRR).

Contexte de travail

The "Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes" (ISCR – UMR 6226) is a Mixed Laboratory associating CNRS (INC et INSIS), and the University of Rennes 1, the "Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes" (ENSCR) and the "Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rennes" (INSA,Rennes). This Institute, created in January 2006, results from the gathering of the different strong thematics in chemistry in Rennes. It includes around 290 permanent employees, among which 143 Professors and Assistant-professors, 64 CNRS Researchers and 82 Engineers and Technicians, in different sites in Rennes and Lannion, with a total of 500 members. Its organization in eight teams of different sizes efficiently combines a good administrative gestion with high-level scientific activities, covering a large panel of disciplines in chemistry. The chemistry in Rennes has a strong expertise in the conception and synthesis of molecules, of crystals, of tailor-made materials, with dedicated properties, thanks to well-adapted engineering tools. It specifically addresses: molecular chemistry (organic, organometallic and coordination), materials from solid state chemistry and metallurgy, catalysis, electrochemistry, comutational chemistry, and engineering of chemical processes.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Within the interdisciplinary project ANR CHIRELECMOL, travels are anticipated (participation to work progress meetings; scientific events, experiments in laboratories).