Description du sujet de thèse

The PhD will to combine the expertise of both groups to develop innovative chiral organic radicals and investigate their unique properties of luminescence by optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The design and synthesis of organic molecular materials is currently experiencing significant interest, aiming to bring about innovations in various technological fields of societal importance such as photovoltaics, displays, information transmission and storage. In this regard, the property of chirality has recently emerged as a promising direction in material science due to their specific interaction with circularly polarized light and the potential of the latter in optoelectronic devices (Fuchter and co., Nat. Rev. Chem. 2017, 1 (6), 0045).
The PhD will develop innovative chiral organic radicals and investigate their unique properties of luminescence by optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The joint PhD will be awarded from Swansea University and University of Rennes. It provides an exciting opportunity for interdisciplinary research enabled by collaboration that combines expertise in materials, photophysics, spin and devices. This represents an excellent opportunity for the PhD candidate to acquire scientific and soft skills valuable for academic and professional careers.
The main part of the project will be devoted to the synthesis of chiral organic molecules with different electronic properties and the study of their photophysical, chiroptical and magnetic properties both in solution and solid state.

Contexte de travail

The group of L Favereau recently contributed to this research area by obtaining the first enantiopure chiral monoradicals displaying SOMO-HOMO inversion (SHI), affording new perspectives for the synthesis of innovative (chiral) open-shell systems (Favereau and co., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020 and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022). Because of its expertise in studying the magnetic, spin and optical behaviour of organic semiconductors, the group of E. Evans has also recently demonstrated new spin-optical phenomena towards future molecular quantum technology platforms (Gorgon et al, Nature 2023).
We are looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate with a strong background in organic synthesis. Experience/interest in photophysical properties will be an added value but is not a requirement. In addition, a strong motivation for research and good communication skills are required (fluent English or French speaking is mandatory).
This PhD position is within the framework of a ERC project named SHIFUMI (https://www.bretagne-pays-de-la-loire.cnrs.fr/fr/personne/ludovic-favereau).
The candidate must have a Master Degree in chemistry. The position requires knowledge in chirality, sound skills in synthetic chemistry (organic and organometallic), purification methods, characterization techniques, spectroscopic tools, data processing softwares, a high level of communication skills, both oral and written (French and English required) to be able to present at conferences and write articles in scientific publications, flexibility adaptability, and creativity. In addition, the candidate must be able to work in a team on multi-disciplinary projects.
Applications must include a detailed CV; at least two references (people who may be contacted); a cover letter of one page; a two-page résumé of the dissertation for the Masters; grades for the Masters 1 or 2 or the engineering degree).
The closing date for sending applications is end of april, the PhD starting date: 1st Oct. 2025.

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

The PhD student will have the opportunity to go to the lab of E Evans to perform advanced photophysical and magnetic characterization within this 3-year joint PhD position.

Informations complémentaires

Projet : SHIFUMI - SOMO-HOMO Inversion For chiral open-shell p-conjUgated systeMs –
(Grant Agreement number: 101041516—SHIFUMI—ERC starting grant (StG))