Emploi
Post-doctoral Position in Chemistry - Supramolecular Photoredox Catalysis
Starting date : Flexible from 05 January 2026 to 31 March 2026
Duration : 2 years
Application : Before 31 December 2025
Workplace : Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires, « Nanostructures Organiques » group
Funding : French National Research Agency (ANR)
Net Salary : 2200 to 2500 €/month based on experience
Context and research project :
The selective functionalization of poorly reactive C(sp3)−H bonds in mild reaction conditions, in particular that of methane, is a long standing and major objective in the area of catalysis. Given its abundance in natural gas and biogas, methane is a highly attractive bio-sourced C1 chemical for use in the preparation of added-value chemicals. In that context, the chlorine atom Cl• has been recognized as a powerful Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) reagent to promote the functionalization of strong C(sp3)−H bonds, including that of CH4. In the area of Cl• reactivity applied to C(sp3)–H bond functionalization, major breakthroughs emerged in the last decade with the advent of dual catalytic photoredox/HAT processes. Building on our preliminary results (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e2024022964) we expect to provide highly active photocatalysts for the functionalization of light alkanes, but also reveal the potential of self-assembling co-catalysts for the discovery of more efficient dual photocatalytic processes.
The project will be conducted at the Institut des Sciences Moléculaires (https://www.ism.u-bordeaux.fr/) within a consortium of two partners (Jean-Marc Vincent from the NEO group, and Thierry Tassaing from the GSM group) having strong expertise in organic/supramolecular chemistry, photocatalysis, high pressure chemistry, spectroscopies and theoretical chemistry.
Candidate profile :
- PhD degree in molecular chemistry with strong background in organic synthesis, skills for multi-step synthesis, supramolecular chemistry and/or photoredox catalysis, expertise in characterization techniques (NMR 1D and 2D, mass spectrometry, absorption/emission spectroscopy, LC-MS) and purification techniques (column chromatography, HPLC, GC…).
- High motivation to work in a multidisciplinary project.
- Ability to conduct independent research and demonstrate open-mindedness, curiosity, and organization.
- English written and oral communication skills.
Host Laboratory :
NEO research group (https://www.ism.u-bordeaux.fr/groupe-de-recherche/nano-structures-organiques) has a long-standing experience in the design of photoactive compounds, including photoredox catalysts and the study of their catalytic properties and photophysics (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e2024022964; Adv. Synth. Catal. 2022, 24, 4266; Org. Biomol. Chem. 2021, 19, 5800; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2012, 51, 7137.
Application :
A cover letter, the contact details of two referees and a detailed CV (Master grades, summary of the project results PhD/Post-doc, publications) should be sent to Jean-Marc Vincent at: jean-marc.vincent@u-bordeaux.fr