Job offer

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Le Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives recherche un postdoctorant en chimie pour un projet innovant sur la conversion du CO₂. Le candidat idéal aura un doctorat en chimie et une forte motivation pour la recherche interdisciplinaire. Ce poste offre l'opportunité de travailler sur des technologies durables et de collaborer avec une équipe dynamique dans un environnement stimulant.

Qualifications

• Docteur en chimie avec un intérêt fort pour la recherche multidisciplinaire.
• Expérience en synthèse et caractérisation de photoacides souhaitée.
• Capacité à travailler de manière autonome en laboratoire.

Responsabilités

• Développer des photoacides pour la conversion de CO₂.
• Optimiser les valeurs de pKa pour la libération de CO₂.
• Utiliser des techniques spectroscopiques pour surveiller les fluctuations de pH.

Connaissances

Chimie organique

Photocatalyse

Catalyse électrochimique

Systèmes bio-inspirés

Formation

PhD en chimie

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives Department I2BC - Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell Research Field Chemistry » Solar chemistry Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Physical chemistry Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Chemistry » Homogeneous catalysis Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 30 Jun 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time 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 Laboratory of Fundamental Mechanisms in Bioenergetics (LMB) at CEA Saclay is an interdisciplinary team of chemists, photophysicists, and biologists dedicated to exploring photo-induced processes in biological and bio-inspired systems that harness photon energy to drive chemical reactions. In the field of artificial photosynthesis, we focus on designing bio-inspired catalysts for light-driven CO₂ conversion. Our expertise lies in employing a comprehensive array of spectroscopic techniques (both steady-state and time-resolved) and (spectro)-electrochemical methods to unravel reaction mechanisms and identify bottlenecks, providing critical insights for optimizing and tailoring catalyst designs.

This postdoctoral position is part of the nationwide AirCapture project, under the CEA Audace program and coordinated by Dr. Vincent Artero, which seeks to pioneer innovative strategies for capturing and converting atmospheric carbon dioxide. The successful candidate will be part of the team to develop a groundbreaking approach for the direct conversion of CO₂ within capture solvents. This bold initiative aims to overcome the economic barriers currently hindering global adoption of CCU technologies, which are largely driven by the high energy and capital costs associated with post-processing capture solvents.

This project bridges synthetic and physical chemistry to advance CO₂ capture and conversion technologies. The postdoc will design and synthesize photoacids, molecules that releases protons upon light exposure. The project will involve screening functional groups to optimize the ground and excited-state pKa values, enabling efficient CO₂ release from bicarbonates and carbamates—the chemisorbed forms of CO₂ in capture solvents. The ideal photoacids will have ground-state pKa values high enough to prevent deprotonation in the dark, while their excited-state pKa must be low enough to effectively protonate carbonaceous species. Time-resolved, pH-dependent spectroscopic techniques will be employed to monitor pH fluctuations, optimizing theΔpH response, reaction rate, and reversibility. A library of established electrocatalysts will be tested in industry-relevant amine-based capture solvents under controlled dilution conditions to assess changes in electrochemical performance. The synthesized photoacids will then be applied to enhance electrocatalytic performance, enabling photo-triggered external control to synchronize the rates of CO₂ release, capture, and conversion. Emphasis will be placed on scalable and sustainable synthetic pathways to facilitate seamless integration with other work packages within the consortium.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Solar chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Homogeneous catalysis Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in chemistry and demonstrate a strong interest in multidisciplinary research, particularly in the fields of energy and CO₂ conversion. A strong background in organic/inorganic chemistry, photochemistry, and/or (electro/photo/photoelectro)-catalysis is important. Prior experience in the synthesis and characterization of photoswitches would be a valuable asset. The candidate should be capable of working independently in a chemistry laboratory and show enthusiasm for advancing renewable energy technologies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. We seek motivated and creative individuals who can collaborate effectively with team members and external partners within the network. We are committed to supporting and encouraging the successful candidate to develop their project to its fullest potential, fostering an environment that promotes innovation and excellence.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Basic

Research Field Chemistry » Solar chemistryChemistry » Organic chemistryChemistry » Physical chemistryChemistry » Molecular chemistryChemistry » Homogeneous catalysisChemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Selection process

Only applications that match the job description will be considered. Applications (CV + letter of motivation + letters of recommendation) should be sent to Philipp GOTICO ( [e-mail] ).

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives Country France City Saclay Postal Code 91400 Street RTE N 306 / RD 36 Geofield