Solid-State NMR for Materials M/F

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 32 000 - 42 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

CNRS is seeking a First Stage Researcher (R1) in solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to join laboratories focused on materials for energy, catalysis, depollution, biomaterials and electronics. The role centers on high-field NMR, operando and in situ studies, and involves collaboration across interdisciplinary teams to advance materials characterization.

The successful candidate will contribute to methodological advances, data analysis, and training activities within the CNRS 2024–2028 COMP

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Direction des ressources humaines Research Field Chemistry Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 2 Sep 2026 - 17:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 29 Aug 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

Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is now an essential technique for the fine characterization of materials. Current research focuses on several major axes: improving analytical methods, studying materials under extreme conditions, developing innovative materials for energy, health, and the environment, as well as nanomaterials, and integrating NMR with other characterization techniques.

Recent advancements include the development of very high-field spectrometers (up to 1.2 GHz), probes with very high spinning speeds (exceeding 100 kHz), and hyperpolarization equipment. These innovations now enable the study of challenging nuclei (such as protons and quadrupolar nuclei), paramagnetic centers, and functional surfaces/interfaces with enhanced resolution and sensitivity. Dedicated software for spectra simulation and chemical shift calculations have also been developed, facilitating data analysis and the extraction of structural and dynamic information. Furthermore, operando and in situ NMR is expanding to monitor in real time the formation and structural transformations of materials, particularly in complex environments such as catalytic reactors or batteries.

A significant focus is placed on studying materials for major societal applications: energy storage and conversion, catalysis, depollution, biomaterials, and materials for electronics, aeronautics, space, and construction. Research targets include in particular hybrid organic-inorganic oxides, oxide glasses, ceramics, cements, multiscale porous materials (zeolites, MOFs), hybrid perovskites, electrodes, and solid electrolytes. Solid-state NMR probes the local atomic environment, structural defects, atomic behavior at interfaces, and atomic dynamics, thereby providing crucial insights for optimizing materials properties.

Solid-state NMR for materials is a dynamic field, driving numerous methodological and technological advancements. Challenges in resolution, sensitivity, operando NMR, and multi-technologies approaches present opportunities to push the boundaries of knowledge and develop ever more efficient, recyclable, and sustainable materials. These objectives align perfectly with the priorities of the CNRS 2024–2028 Strategic Plan (COMP) and fit exactly within its major domains, particularly "Materials of the Future" and "Limitless Instrumentation," where expertise in materials NMR is in high demand.

The four targeted laboratories have recognized teams in the field of solid-state NMR. Strengthening their contribution to the thematic focus of this project will consolidate the currently limited workforce in this area and enhance France's (inter)national visibility in the field

The CNRS 2024–2028 Strategic Plan (COMP) aims to place fundamental research at the service of major societal challenges, particularly in energy, environment, and health domains. Solid-state NMR plays a key role in these areas, especially for characterizing innovative materials (batteries, solid electrolytes, catalysts, porous materials, glasses, (bio)ceramics, cements, industrial polymers, soft matter including gels and coacervates, etc.), which are essential for the energy transition and for a sustainable, decarbonized industry.

In direct response to these priorities, the first objective is to improve resolution and sensitivity, particularly for quadrupolar and/or broad-band, low-sensitivity nuclei (such as ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N, ¹⁷O, ⁴⁷,⁴⁹Ti, ⁶⁷Zn, ⁴³Ca, ¹⁹⁵Pt) and for highly disordered or paramagnetic materials. Achieving this goal will require combining progress in high magnetic fields, the development of new measurement probes, and their coupling with polarization methods. Additionally, designing protocols tailored to these systems represents a major scientific and technological challenge.

The integration of operando and in situ NMR — requiring instruments capable of operating and tracking structural transformations under extreme real-world conditions (high temperature, high internal pressure, reactive atmospheres, irradiation, etc.) and/or as a function of reaction time, while maintaining high resolution and sensitivity — must be strengthened to directly address these priorities. This involves advancements in both equipment and experimental protocols.

NMR is also a major tool for studying multiscale local dynamics in materials (polymers and others) in relation to their mechanical properties. Solid-state NMR is increasingly combined with other techniques (X-ray diffraction, EPR, DFT and dynamic modeling, electron microscopy, neutron scattering, signal processing to optimize acquisition time and reduce artifacts) for multiscale material characterization.

Furthermore, this position will expand access to very high-field NMR platforms and advanced methods, benefiting both the academic community and industrial partners, thereby stimulating and fostering innovation. This multi-technique/interdisciplinary aspect is a major cross-cutting challenge to be reinforced.

The research theme of this CNRS chair can be adapted across the targeted universities in France, depending on the recruitment location. The successful candidate could contribute to teaching in material characterization using advanced analytical tools, including solid-state NMR, at the Bachelor's or Master's level, in initial training, apprenticeship programs, or engineering schools.

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project's socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific. There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability.