Summary
The Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux (ICMCB) and Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) at CNRS–University of Bordeaux, France, are inviting applications for an 18-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position within the MESCool (Molecular Electrocalorics for Sustainable Cooling Technologies) project.
The project aims to develop molecular plastic crystals with large electrocaloric effects near room temperature for environmentally friendly, solid-state cooling technologies. The research will combine molecular synthesis, crystal growth, structural characterization, phase-transition studies, polymer/material processing, and electrocaloric measurements. ICMCB is a joint research unit of CNRS, University of Bordeaux and Bordeaux INP with expertise in solid-state chemistry and materials science.
Job Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
| Project | MESCool – Molecular Electrocalorics for Sustainable Cooling Technologies |
| Research Topic | Molecular Plastic Crystals for Sustainable Electrocaloric Cooling |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Starting Date | January 2027 or shortly thereafter |
| Location | Bordeaux, France |
| Institutions | ICMCB & LCPO, CNRS – University of Bordeaux |
| Employment Level | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Fields | Molecular Solid-State Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Polymer Science, Electrocaloric Materials |
| Application Deadline | Not specified in the provided advertisement |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Solid-State Chemistry
Research Area
- Molecular solid-state chemistry
- Molecular plastic crystals
- Electrocaloric materials
- Sustainable solid-state cooling
- Crystal engineering
- Phase transitions
- Polymer/material processing
- Dielectric spectroscopy
- Electrocaloric characterization
- Structure–property relationships
Research on plastic crystals is an active area for solid-state cooling because their molecular and orientational degrees of freedom can produce large caloric responses.
Location
Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux (ICMCB) and Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO)
CNRS – University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
The University of Bordeaux identifies both ICMCB and LCPO among its research units working in materials and related sciences.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have a relevant PhD/doctoral degree or equivalent research experience in an area closely related to the project, such as:
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Molecular Materials
- Electrocaloric/dielectric materials
- Crystal engineering or related fields
Relevant skills/experience would include:
- Molecular or materials synthesis
- Crystal growth
- Structural characterization
- Phase-transition analysis
- Polymer/material processing
- Thin-film fabrication
- Dielectric spectroscopy
- Electrocaloric measurements
Note: These are project-relevant qualifications inferred from the advertised research activities; the image does not provide a formal eligibility checklist.
Job Description
The successful candidate will play a leading role in the synthesis and development of novel molecular plastic crystals and in establishing the structure–property relationships governing their electrocaloric performance.
Main research activities
- Design and synthesis
- Design and synthesize new molecular plastic crystal compounds.
- Investigate molecular structures suitable for electrocaloric applications.
- Crystal growth and characterization
- Grow high-quality molecular crystals.
- Perform structural characterization of the developed materials.
- Phase-transition studies
- Investigate structural and thermodynamic phase transitions.
- Understand the relationship between molecular structure, phase behavior and electrocaloric response.
- Material processing
- Process molecular materials into dense pellets.
- Develop high-quality thin films suitable for dielectric and electrocaloric measurements.
- Thin-film fabrication
- Develop and optimize solution-processing techniques.
- Use methods such as casting, spin coating and related thin-film fabrication approaches.
- Electrocaloric measurements
- Participate in dielectric spectroscopy.
- Perform direct electrocaloric measurements.
- Evaluate the electrocaloric performance of newly developed molecular materials.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official University of Bordeaux/ICMCB recruitment channels or contact the research team associated with the MESCool project for the formal application procedure.
For reference, the University of Bordeaux maintains an official recruitment portal for research positions, and ICMCB publishes its employment opportunities through its official website.
Official ICMCB website:
ICMCB – Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux
University of Bordeaux job portal:
University of Bordeaux – Job Opportunities
Suggested application documents
Prepare:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter/research statement
- List of publications
- Academic/research qualifications
- Contact details of referees, if requested in the formal application
Last Date to Apply
Until position filled
The position is scheduled to start in January 2027 or shortly thereafter, with a duration of 18 months. Applicants should therefore check the official recruitment page for the current deadline before applying.
Apply Link
Apply / Check Official University of Bordeaux Job Opportunities
Research Institute: ICMCB Official Website
Important: I could verify the official University of Bordeaux and ICMCB recruitment channels, but I could not locate a publicly indexed application page specifically matching the MESCool 18-month position. So I have not invented a direct application URL.
