Postdoc Positions

position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

• 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.

Where to apply

Website: https://ube.nous-recrutons.fr/poste/l4tesmbz1m-chercheur-en-chimie-et-electrochimie-moleculaire/

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

Additional Information

Benefits

• Catégory : A
• Working conditions and specific requirements: no specific conditions/requirements
• Location : Dijon, 9 avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon
• Contract duration : 12 months
• Expected starting date : mid-october, 2026

Salary : 2 682.92 € gross per month

Selection process

• Applications must be made through the "job opportunity" website of the UBE : here
• The application package must include:
  • A comprehensive CV including educational background, certifications, professional and academic experience, most significant publications, and internships,
  • A cover letter outlining the applicant's interest in the position
  • The PhD defense report
• Contact for further information: Charles DEVILLERS (charles.devillers@ube.fr)
• Application deadline : Friday, October 19

Additional comments

Rights and obligations, including ethical and intellectual property aspects:

The beneficiary (postdoctoral researcher) will be bound by professional confidentiality with respect to third parties, not only concerning the laboratory's activities related to the field of study and research, but also regarding any laboratory activities of which they may become aware.

No written or oral publications or communications related to the research work may be made without the prior approval of the Scientific Project Manager. All publications and communications by the postdoctoral researcher must be co-authored with the scientific supervisor of the research, a permanent member of the laboratory.

The results of the research, whether patentable or not, shall remain the full and exclusive property of the laboratory, which may file patents in its own name in order to protect the inventions produced.

Additional Information:

• The nationality of applicants and the assignment of the position (notably with regard to areas subject to restricted access regimes – ZRR – as defined in Article R413‑5‑1 of the French Penal Code, or to sensitive units) may have consequences:
  • on the timeframe for establishing the contract, due to parallel administrative procedures (additional documents and information requested by prefectures, consulates, etc.);
  • on the final establishment of the contract, which may only take place following a favorable opinion from the High Official for Defense and Security (HFDS).

Website for additional job details: https://ube.nous-recrutons.fr/poste/l4tesmbz1m-chercheur-en-chimie-et-electrochimie-moleculaire/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Université Bourgogne Europe
Country: France
State/Province: Côte d'Or
City: Dijon
Postal Code: 21000
Street: 9 avenue Alain Savary

Contact

State/Province: Côte d'Or
City: Dijon
Website: https://icmub.ube.fr/fr/accueil/
Street: 9 Avenue Alain Savary
Postal Code: 21000
E-Mail: charles.devillers@ube.fr