PhD Position: M/F Hydrofunctionalization of alkenes via cobalt-mediated hydrogen atom transfer: mechanistic and reactivity studies
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 month
- BAC+5
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire de chimie de coordination
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
31077 TOULOUSE
Contract Duration
36 month
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 13 July 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
The mild hydrogenation of alkenes using catalysts based on earth-abundant metals has been revolutionized by the development of metal-mediated oxidative hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) reactions. However, our understanding of the mechanism and our knowledge of the range of nucleophiles that can be used and the selectivities of these reactions are limited. The proposed thesis topic will focus on the study of MHAT reactions catalyzed by cobalt complexes (initially cobalt-salen complexes). The research will be conducted at the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC) in Toulouse, as part of a consortium bringing together a team of chemists from the United States (Prof. Patrick Holland, Yale) and the LCC team. The consortium will employ a variety of approaches, including organic and inorganic synthesis, kinetic studies, mass spectrometry, DFT calculations, and virtual ligand screening, to significantly expand the possibilities of oxidative MHAT chemistry.
Our working hypothesis is that understanding the mechanistic details allows for a rational improvement in the scope and selectivity of oxidative MHAT reactions. The Yale team has already characterized cobalt(IV) species that have been proposed as part of the mechanism, but it is not certain that they are actually involved in all oxidative MHAT reactions. We will use kinetic studies to identify potential mechanisms, and DFT calculations will complement the experimental studies to provide a better mechanistic understanding and enable the optimization of catalysts and experimental conditions.
More specifically, the student selected for this position will be tasked with mapping the MHAT reactions of alkenes by determining the relative reactivity of different nucleophiles and the various regio- and enantioselectivities using intermolecular and intramolecular competition experiments. In particular, we aim to determine how intramolecular reactions can lead to the formation of various heterocycles and with what selectivities, which could potentially enable the development of efficient methods for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds of significant pharmaceutical interest.
Your Work Environment
The thesis research will be conducted at the « Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination » (LCC) in Toulouse, which specializes in all areas of coordination chemistry across three main research areas (Catalysis, Living Systems, and Materials) within the "Ligands, Complex Architectures, and Catalysis" team led by Dr. Eric Manoury and Prof. Eric Deydier.
The doctoral student will be supervised by Dr. Eric Manoury and Prof. Rinaldo Poli.
Constraints and risks
No specific requirements. Standard chemical synthesis and characterization work.
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
| Offer reference | UPR8241-ERIMAN-004 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Coordination chemistry, catalysis, interfaces, and processes |
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.
Create your alert
Don't miss any opportunity to find the job that's right for you. Register for free and receive new vacancies directly in your mailbox.