PhD (M/F) in materials chemistry as applied to chemimetry and the environment.

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Capture and Detection of Organic Molecules Using Functionalized Materials: Applications in the Environment and Health.
- This research project forms part of the work carried out under Research Areas 1 and 3. Online analytical methods (Research Area 1) combine sampling (in this case, capture on a functionalised material) with rapid detection following derivatisation (in this case, using colorimetric or fluorimetric methods). The study of the adsorption of organic molecules (Research Area 3) is of dual interest: firstly, during the sampling phase prior to detection, and secondly, for environmental remediation.

The aim of this PhD project is to develop functionalised materials capable of detecting targeted organic molecules: aldehydes in the air, PFAS in water, or even chemical submission drugs. These applications involve collaborative projects with industry partners (already funded) or academic partners.
For these three examples, this metrological approach to sensor development involves a derivatisation reaction on the material's surface, forming either a specific fluorescent molecule or a molecule that strongly absorbs light (colorimetry).

This PhD research will involve, in particular, carrying out the following tasks:
• Preparing potentially hierarchical or hybrid support materials;
• Functionalising the supports by impregnation or grafting with molecules suited to the detection of the target molecules;
• Carrying out adsorption (capture) tests under controlled and representative laboratory conditions;
• Characterising the materials before and after functionalisation, as well as after the capture of organic molecules. This will involve, in particular, measuring porosity (N₂ adsorption), identifying characteristic bands of the active phases (DRIFT), determining the elemental composition at the surface (XPS), identifying the crystalline structure (DRX), etc.
• Determine the analytical performances of the sensors developed under controlled and representative laboratory conditions;
• Compare these performances with those of conventional analytical methods (chromatography, etc.);
• Write scientific articles in English.

The materials synthesised may also be used for air or water purification.

Your Work Environment

- The group of Analytical Chemistry and Materials for Environment and Health develops analytical methods for the detection of organic molecules mainly in the air but also in other environmental matrices (water, soils). The activities of the team are structured around 3 research aeras:
• Research Area 1: On-line analytical methods via microfluidic devices for the quantification of air pollutants;
• Research Area 2: Off-line analysis methods via chromatographic techniques;
• Research Area 3: Adsorption study of organic molecules on various materials.

Candidate profil:
General, theoretical, or disciplinary knowledge:
- Materials Chemistry (in-depth knowledge);
- Analytical chemistry (in-depth knowledge);
- Materials characterization techniques (in-depth knowledge);
- Gas and liquid chromatography (thorough knowledge);
- Instrumentation and measurements (thorough knowledge);
- Spectroscopy (fluorescence and colorimetry) (thorough knowledge);
- Air Pollution;
- English language: minimum level B1 (European framework)

Knowledge of the professional environment:
- Organization and functioning of higher education and public research;

Operational skills:
- Write reports or technical documents;
- Use the computer tools necessary for the control of analytical equipment and data processing;
- To develop and synthesise a complex material.
- Develop an analytical method;
- Take into account the validity and limits of the characterization method used;
- Apply the rules of hygiene and safety;
- Work in a team;
- Communicate with experts in his/her field;
- Develop a technical specification

Attractiveness of the position:
- Easy access to the Cronenbourg campus via public transportation
- The CNRS may cover a portion of the cost of public transportation passes
- Meals are available at a university dining hall on the Cronenbourg campus, with meal subsidies provided by the CNRS

Constraints and risks

Average in Master 1 and 2 above 12/20 (provide CV with grades, class ranking and average for each year (including BAC).

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

The research professions