About this position
- Laboratory: ICMUB
- Department: UFR SCIENCES ET TECHNIQUES
- Laboratory description: The Institute of Molecular Chemistry of the University of Burgundy (ICMUB – CNRS UMR 6302), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology, plays a central role in the development and promotion of chemical sciences in both research and education. Its activities are structured around two major transverse research themes (Environment and Health), with metal chemistry, coordination chemistry, and organometallic chemistry as core areas. The institute benefits from several state-of-the-art technological platforms and highly efficient knowledge valorization tools.
RESEARCH PROJECT AND SCIENTIFIC FIELD
The regional project PYRAMIDE (Porphyrins and Porphyrin-Based Materials for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) focuses on the development of porphyrin-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The project involves chemical synthesis, electrosynthesis, electropolymerization, and electrocatalysis.
Project duration: 36 months
Within the EMCAP team (Electrochemistry, Materials, Coordination, Analyses and Porphyrinoids) at ICMUB, the recruited researcher will develop the synthesis and electrochemical functionalization of porphyrin-based molecules and materials. The resulting compounds will be evaluated for the hydrogen evolution reaction using electroanalytical and analytical techniques (micro-GC, etc.).
Main activities :
- Develop and optimize protocols for chemical synthesis and electrochemical functionalization of porphyrin macrocycles
- Synthesize porphyrin-based materials by electropolymerization
- Participate in the installation of a new micro-GC instrument
- Determine key electrocatalytic properties (TOF, TON, etc.) and propose improvements
- Perform regular bibliographic monitoring
- Write and present weekly progress reports in English; contribute to scientific publications and/or patents
- Present research results at conferences and seminars
Apply and enforce health and safety regulations, particularly in laboratory environments
Work environment:
The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Prof. Charles Devillers, coordinator of the PYRAMIDE project, and will interact with permanent staff members of the EMCAP team as well as undergraduate, master's, and PhD students.
Requirements
Research Field
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry
Education Level
PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Applicants must have less than three years of postdoctoral experience and strong expertise in molecular synthesis and electrochemistry (analytical electrochemistry, electrosynthesis, electrocatalysis), both theoretical and practical.
- Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques available at the laboratory (1H and heteronuclear NMR, 2D NMR, IR/Raman, UV-Vis, mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF and ESI HRMS) is required.
- Prior experience in electrocatalysis is mandatory.
Specific Requirements
Knowledge :
- Organic synthesis of macrocycles (porphyrins and derivatives), coordination chemistry, analytical electrochemistry
- Purification, characterization, and analytical techniques for organic compounds: cyclic voltammetry, spectroscopic methods (NMR, UV–Vis, IR, mass spectrometry)
- Electroanalytical methods for determining key parameters in electrocatalysis, as well as gas
- Health, safety, and laboratory regulations
- Scientific English
Technical Skills :
- Develop and optimize experimental protocols for the chemical synthesis and electrochemical functionalization of porphyrins, including work under inert atmosphere, as well as separation and purification procedures (chromatography)
- Acquire and interpret NMR spectra (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, etc.), mass spectra (MALDI-TOF, ESI), UV–Visible and IR spectra, with strong expertise in spectroscopic characterization techniques
- Work collaboratively within a team and plan experiments carried out by technical staff (BTS/DUT level) and/or engineers and Master’s students involved in the project
- Use specialized software tools for bibliographic research, reference management, molecular drawing, etc.
- Write reports and experimental protocols in English
- Apply and ensure compliance with safety regulations related to the handling of chemical products
Soft Skills :
- Rigor, adaptability, and respect for the working environment and colleagues
- Teamwork skills
- Strong organizational abilities
- Proactivity and autonomy, with the ability to make original proposals
- Compliance with safety regulations (laboratory work), punctuality, and respect for hierarchy
Strong personal motivation
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent
Research Field
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.