Job offer

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Une opportunité passionnante se présente pour un postdoctorant au sein d'une unité de recherche conjointe entre le CNRS et l'Université de Poitiers. Le candidat idéal participera à un projet innovant visant à développer des procédés catalytiques durables pour la production de tensioactifs à partir de polysaccharides naturels. Ce poste offre un environnement collaboratif, avec des objectifs clairs et un fort potentiel d'impact dans le domaine de la chimie durable.

Qualifications

• Docteur en chimie avec expertise en catalyse appliquée.
• Intérêt marqué pour les techniques d'analyse (SEC, HPLC, NMR, spectrométrie de masse).
• Expérience en chimie des polysaccharides appréciée.

Responsabilités

• Développer des réactions catalytiques pour produire des tensioactifs bio-sourcés.
• Effectuer des tests catalytiques avec des catalyseurs acides homogènes.
• Produire un rapport final pour SYENSQO.

Connaissances

Catalyse

Chimie organique

Techniques d'analyse

Formation

Doctorat en chimie

Outils

Chromatographie

NMR

Spectrométrie de masse

Description du poste

Organisation/Company: CNRS

Department: Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers

Research Field: Chemistry, Physics

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country: France

Application Deadline: 7 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 35

Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025

Funding: Not funded by a EU programme

Research Infrastructure Staff Position: No

Offer Description

This one-year postdoc contract will be performed in collaboration between IC2MP and SYENSQO. It aims to develop a catalytic reaction to produce bio-based surfactants from natural polysaccharides for various applications in Home Personal Care.

Building on previous works, the strategy at IC2MP will consist of a catalytic controlled depolymerization of polysaccharides to obtain oligosaccharides with desired molecular weights and their further functionalization. Industrial catalysts will be preferentially used. The catalytic reactions will be carried out in autoclaves and monitored by size-exclusion chromatography, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The project will benefit from access to the PLATINA analysis platform belonging to IC2MP. The physicochemical properties of the oligosaccharides, as well as their biodegradability, will be evaluated by SYENSQO.

The research will begin with a literature review to (1) assess the most effective industrial catalysts for this type of reaction and (2) identify the scientific and technological challenges. The candidate will perform the first catalytic tests, initially using homogeneous acid catalysts, to optimize reaction parameters such as pressure, temperature, and concentration. Subsequently, focus will shift to heterogeneous catalysts. Performance criteria such as reaction selectivity, catalyst consumption, energy consumption, and reactor productivity will guide the research. Regular meetings between IC2MP and SYENSQO, remotely or in person, will ensure progress and adjustment of objectives. At the end, the candidate will produce a report for SYENSQO.

IC2MP is a joint research unit between CNRS and the University of Poitiers, focusing on sustainable reactions/products and eco-efficient technologies. SYENSQO is a science company developing innovative solutions for safer, cleaner, and sustainable products across various sectors, supporting a circular economy and breakthrough technologies.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in chemistry, with expertise in catalysis applied to fine/organic chemistry, and has a strong interest in analysis techniques such as SEC, HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry. Experience in polysaccharide or sugar chemistry is an advantage. The candidate should be curious, rigorous, and capable of working in an international team.