Postdoctoral fellowship in nanomaterials chemistry (M/F)

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 55 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France offers an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher specialized in metal oxide nanoparticles. The role involves the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles to optimize process performance for advanced synchrotron facilities. With a PhD in chemistry, you will contribute to a cutting-edge project aiming to deliver ultra-smooth surfaces using innovative chemical-mechanical polishing techniques.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry with experience in metal oxide nanoparticles.
• Expertise in surface characterization is highly valued.

Responsabilités

• Controlled synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles with various parameters.
• In-depth physico-chemical characterization using various techniques.
• Analyze correlation between properties and final surface quality.

Connaissances

Surface characterization

Chemical synthesis

Nanoparticle analysis

Formation

PhD in Chemistry

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 17 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

A new generation of mirrors, offering a flatness of 1 nm (Peak-to-Valley), is becoming essential to meet the stringent requirements of major synchrotron facilities worldwide, which aim to enhance both beam power and quality. Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), widely employed in advanced technological sectors, enables precise control of surface topography and roughness. It therefore stands out as an ideal solution for achieving ultra-smooth surfaces with minimal damage. This technique relies on the use of slurries with varied compositions, in which the abrasive plays a key role. Within the framework of the public-private consortium dedicated to this project, optimizing the abrasive will be a critical factor in achieving the targeted performance goals.

The recruited personnel will be expected to address the various phases of the project, which will include: (i) the controlled synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, with the tuning of key parameters such as chemical composition, hardness, size, and surface state; (ii) their in-depth physico-chemical characterization using a range of techniques; and (iii) the analysis of the correlation between their properties as nano-abrasives and the studied parameters, in relation to the desired final surface quality. This stage will be carried out in collaboration with a consortium partner, whose feedback will contribute to optimizing the CMP process and ensuring surfaces that meet the stringent requirements of the project.

The work will take place on the CNRS campus at the Charles Gerhardt Institute of Montpellier (ICGM). Short-term stays may be carried out at the premises of consortium partners.

A PhD in chemistry with experience in the field of metal oxide nanoparticles is required. Expertise in surface characterization will be highly valued.