postdoctoral researcher position (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a full-time researcher to focus on developing molecular metal catalysts for synthesizing polycarbonates from CO₂ and bio-sourced molecules. This role emphasizes organic synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and catalytic testing. Experience in synthetic and coordination chemistry is crucial, along with proficiency in relevant characterization techniques and a good command of English. Collaboration with other institutions is integral to the project.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in synthetic chemistry, particularly organic synthesis.
• Experience with molecular characterization techniques like NMR, MS, IR, and UV/Vis.
• Capability to work under inert atmosphere conditions.

Responsabilités

• Involve in research project to develop molecular metal catalysts.
• Conduct organic and organometallic synthesis.
• Perform physicochemical characterization and catalytic testing.

Connaissances

Synthetic chemistry

Coordination chemistry

Molecular characterization techniques

Catalysis

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Knowledge of French

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de chimie de coordination Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 1 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 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

The recruited researcher will be involved in a research project aimed at developing molecular metal catalysts for the synthesis of polycarbonates from CO₂ and bio-sourced molecules.

Core Activities

• Organic and organometallic synthesis
• Physicochemical characterization
• Catalytic testing

The recruited researcher will join the Catalysis and Fine Chemistry team at the CNRS Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry in Toulouse.
The team develops fundamental research with applied objectives in the field of catalysis. The research aims to explore new concepts in catalysis (confinement effects, bimetallic catalysis, single-atom catalysis), to design new catalytic systems, and more recently, through collaborations, to develop specific tools for catalysis, notably via continuous-flow chemistry approaches. The activation of small molecules and the functionalization of bio-sourced molecules are key targets of the team.
The project is part of a collaborative program with CEA Grenoble (LITEN) and the University of Lyon (ICBMS), aiming to develop bio-based polycarbonates that are free of BPA and phosgene, with improved recyclability through CO₂ valorization. Unlike existing partially bio-based solutions, the project relies on second- and third-generation resources such as terpenes and diols derived from biomass, in order to avoid competition with food crops. Two routes will be explored: polymerization of epoxidized terpenes (ETP route) and direct carbonation of bio-based diols (DCD route), using CO₂ as the carbon source.

Qualifications

• • Strong experience in synthetic chemistry, particularly organic synthesis (ligand synthesis) and coordination chemistry
• • Molecular characterization techniques (NMR, MS, IR, UV/Vis, etc.)
• • Working under inert atmosphere (Schlenk line, glovebox)
• • Experience in catalysis and/or in carrying out reactions under pressure would be a plus
• • Organizational skills and adaptability
• • Compliance with hygiene and safety regulations
• • Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
• • Knowledge of French is a plus