PhD in molecular chemistry (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

1. Keywords
Molecular electrochemistry, organometallic catalysis, circular economy, renewable resources, decarbonation in synthesis.

2. Context
To limit the use of fossil-based energy and material resources in chemical production, the electrification of synthesis pathways offers a promising approach. This development introduces electrosynthesis (i.e. the creation of chemical bonds using electricity) as a key technology. The reach of this technology depends on the development of efficient catalysts adapted to electrosynthesis conditions – electrocatalysts. In this context, our team is developing original strategies to deploy electrocatalysis in synthesis. In particular, we are exploring these strategies for the functionalisation of organic skeletons, notably with renewable and abundant synthons, to generate higher value-added products.

3. Topic
The PhD project aims to study the electrochemistry of organometallic metallacycles – key intermediates in molecular catalysis – and to exploit them in electrocatalytic coupling reactions. The electrochemical generation and characterisation of metallacycles will be investigated initially, which will enable a subsequent assessment of the impact of redox changes on the reactivity of these metallacycles. Finally, building on these concepts, the metallacycles will be employed in electrocatalytic reductive C–C coupling reactions, such as those between unsaturated compounds like alkynes/alkenes and aldehydes/ketones.

4. Methodologies
The work will begin with the synthesis of ligands and transition metal complexes and the associated molecular characterisations (NMR, IR, MS). Advanced electrochemical studies will then be carried out to evaluate the redox properties of these complexes and their reactivity in the reactions of interest (voltammetry, electrolysis, and possibly spectroelectrochemistry) and thus identify the best candidate catalysts. The application of these electrocatalysts for reactions of interest will then be studied through electrolysis and the coupling products obtained will be isolated and characterised by spectroscopic and chromatographic methods.

5. Required skills
Excellent knowledge and skills in molecular chemistry (organic, organometallic) in terms of synthesis, characterisation and properties (reactivity, physicochemical properties).
Proficiency in chemical handling under inert atmosphere.
Interest or experience in electrochemistry.

6. Skills and knowledge developed during the PhD
Molecular synthesis (organic, coordination complexes) and identification methods (NMR, GC/MS, HRMS).
Reactivity of organometallic species.
Electrochemistry of molecular compounds (voltammetry, electrolysis, spectro-electrochemistry).
Formatting and presentation of results in conferences and scientific articles.
Project work and scientific collaborations.

7. Application
The application should include a CV, a cover letter, academic transcripts (BSc and MSc) and the contact details of two referees (ideally supervisors from a previous internship or teachers).

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate (M/F) will join the Molecular ElectroCatalysis for Synthesis and Energy (MeCSE) team within the Laboratoire d'Innovation Moléculaire et Applications (LIMA UMR 7042).
The thesis project will be supervised and directed by Dr Nicolas Kaeffer within the MeCSE team.
The work will be carried out at the Strasbourg site of the laboratory (Cronenbourg Campus).
The doctoral school for this thesis is the Doctoral School of Chemical Sciences - ED222 (Unistra/UHA).

The MeCSE team is interested in the use of sustainable resources for the design of chemical products. The strategies implemented by the team aim to combine renewable electricity and abundant synthons in chemical conversions of interest for energy synthesis and storage. The team's activity focuses more specifically on the development, at the molecular level, of suitable and efficient electrocatalytic systems for the electrification of these transformations.
The MeCSE team has the necessary expertise and methodologies to cover the key aspects of the project (synthesis, electrochemistry, characterization, inert atmosphere handling). In addition, the technical facilities and platforms available at the UMR (physical chemistry, analytics) provide access to more advanced characterisation techniques, which are extremely valuable for the studies involved. The research will also benefit from an extremely stimulating scientific environment within the UMR, whose work in molecular chemistry is widely recognised.
Finally, the team's activity is well identified at national and international level, with numerous connections in the field of research, which could lead to collaborations during the thesis.

The CNRS Cronenbourg Campus is situated in a green setting and is easily accessible by public transport (Bus G).
The successful candidate (M/F) will have access to a nearby administrative restaurant with rates subsidized by CNRS Alsace, a partial subsidy of public transport commuting costs, employee benefits and the company committee.

Constraints and risks

The project will take place in a chemistry laboratory and will involve the synthesis and characterisation of organic and organometallic chemicals. The risks are therefore those associated with working in a chemistry laboratory and handling chemical compounds. These risks have been identified and are covered by a prevention plan at the UMR and team level. In addition, the collective and individual protective equipments necessary to deal with these risks is available in the laboratory.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross 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

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