Researcher in materials chemistry, crystal growth M/F

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institute in France is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to focus on the experimental development of a 3D characterization approach for organic crystals. The successful candidate will enhance thermal-optical-microscopy setups, analyze experimental results, and contribute to publications and presentations. Ideal applicants will have a PhD in Chemistry, skills in microscopy and data analysis, and be fluent in both French and English. This is a full-time, temporary position with a starting date of April 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Proficient in adapting and modernizing experimental setups.
• Strong understanding of laboratory metrology and instrumentation.
• Capable of analyzing and processing experimental data.

Responsabilités

• Develop and optimize experimental protocols for 3D characterization.
• Conduct the experimental characterization of crystal growth.
• Prepare technical documents and present research findings.

Connaissances

Scientific instrumentation adaptation

Experimental techniques in optical microscopy

General chemistry knowledge

Sample preparation techniques

Data analysis and interpretation

Bilingual in French and English

Formation

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Outils

Python

Image J

Description du poste

Organisation/Company: CNRS Department Institut matériaux microélectronique nanosciences de Provence
Research Field: Chemistry, Physics, Technology
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Country: France
Application Deadline: 24 Dec 2025
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
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

The postdoctoral researcher will ensure the experimental development of an approach to the 3D characterization of organic crystals. The approach is based on thermo-microscopy, combined with multidirectional observation, allowing for in situ, 3D visualization of the crystal shape from a seed in the molten liquid. He/she will ensure the experimental characterization of the equilibrium and growth shapes of several organic crystals.

Experimental development for 3D characterization of crystal shapes

• An existing thermal‑optical‑microscopy stage should be modified/improved allowing observation of the crystals along multiple axes, and thus the 3D characterization of the material.
• Establish and optimize experimental protocols.
• Check the performance of the instruments.
• Ensure the training and supervision of users.

Experimental characterization of the equilibrium shapes of several crystals

Crystals: benzoic acid, menthol, 2‑methyl‑4‑nitroaniline, succinonitrile‑camphor alloys, neopentylglycol‑camphor, …

• Planning, technical responsibility, and implementation and monitoring of experiments.
• Experimental data analysis.
• Interpretation of Results.

Participation in the valorization and diffusion of results

• Paper redaction.
• Writing of reports and technical notes in French and English, Drafting of experimental protocols and instruments user manuals.
• Presentation of the work in national/international conferences, and during project or team meetings.

Qualifications

• Skills in scientific instrumentation: ability to adapt or modernize experimental setups and conduct experiments independently.
• Laboratory Metrology and Instrumentation: proficiency in experimental techniques in optical microscopy.
• General chemistry, solution chemistry, materials chemistry.
• Techniques of samples preparation, characterization and purification.
• Quality concepts applied to chemical analysis techniques.
• Storage and disposal conditions for chemicals.
• Mathematical and informatic tools required for the analysis of the results (knowledge of Python and Image J will be an asset).
• Health and safety regulations.
• Autonomous but able to work in interaction.
• Ability to analyze and process experimental data.
• Write technical documents.
• Be able to communicate in French and English in the frame of national and international collaborations of the project.

Additional comments

Applicants are invited to send a CV, a cover letter with the names of 2 referees.