Synthesis of sustainable aviation fuels from (bio)alcohols by heterogeneous catalysis (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is offering a full-time PhD position in catalysis. The researcher will focus on synthesizing new catalysts and studying reaction mechanisms relevant to jet fuel production. The role involves collaboration with international partners and participation in conferences. Strong experience in heterogeneous catalysis and analytical techniques is essential, as well as a PhD in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Vitaly Ordomsky.
• Participation in national/international conferences is required.
• Ability to present research findings in a clear and concise manner.

Responsabilités

• Conduct research on the synthesis of new catalysts.
• Prepare catalysts at designated laboratories.
• Participate in progress meetings and conferences.

Connaissances

Experience with heterogeneous catalysis

Knowledge of FTIR spectroscopy

Analytical techniques

Isotopic labeling

Formation

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Outils

Laboratory equipment relevant to chemical research

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 8 Dec 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

The Catalysis and Solid-State Chemistry Unit (UCCS, UMR 8181 CNRS) comprises 105 researchers and faculty members, 32 technical and administrative staff, around 80 PhD students, and 20 postdoctoral researchers. The unit operates across multiple sites in the Lille and Lens regions.
The researcher will be based at the Villeneuve d'Ascq site, working at the University of Lille and École Centrale de Lille. UCCS's scientific activities are focused on three main areas: Heterogeneous catalysis, Catalysis and molecular chemistry, Solid-state chemistry.
Within the "Heterogeneous Catalysis" research group, the PhD student will work under the supervision of Dr. Vitaly Ordomsky. Catalyst preparation will take place at the Hall Pilote Catalyse laboratories or at École Centrale de Lille. The FTIR spectroscopy experiments and transient kinetic studies using isotopic tracers will be conducted in Building C3 (next to the Hall Pilote). The research work will be organized in campaigns, alternating between the two buildings.
As part of the European project, the candidate will participate in progress meetings held either in Lille or at partner laboratories in Belgium, where the PhD student will present research findings. Additionally, the student may be required to attend national or international conferences to present results.
This position falls within a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), meaning that, in accordance with regulations, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

As part of a European project conducted in collaboration with Ghent University (Belgium) and several other European universities and industrial partners, this PhD work will focus on the synthesis of new catalysts, the study of reaction mechanisms, active sites, and the kinetics of ethanol condensation reactions for jet fuel production. Advanced techniques such as operando and in situ analysis, isotopic labeling, and kinetic experiments under both transient and steady-state conditions will be employed.