Summary
The CARMeN Institute (Institut de Chimie Analytique et Réactivité Moléculaire en Normandie) is inviting applications for a fully funded, three-year PhD program. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Robin Weiss within the framework of the ANR-funded MechaAct project (ANR-25-CE07-2800). The research centers on developing Lewis acid mechano-responsive molecular systems embedded within a polymer matrix to pioneer advancements in mechanochemistry and catalytic activation.
Fully Funded PhD Position in Organic Chemistry – Lewis Acid under Constraint, CARMeN, France
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position | PhD Student |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded (3-Year Program) |
| Project Name | ANR MechaAct |
| Supervisor | Dr. Robin Weiss |
| Institution | CARMeN Institute, Université de Caen Normandie |
| Salary Range | Approx. €24,000 – €28,000 / year |
Subject Area
- Organic Chemistry
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Mechanochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Catalysis
Location
Institut de Chimie Analytique et Réactivité Moléculaire en Normandie – CARMeN
UMR CNRS 6064 / 6507, Université de Caen Normandie
6, bd du Maréchal Juin, 14050 Caen Cedex (France)
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Hold an MSc degree (or be close to completion) in Organic or Organometallic Chemistry.
- Technical Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in organic synthesis and cross-disciplinary research.
- Solid experience in reaction optimization and development.
- Proficiency in inert atmosphere techniques (e.g., Schlenk lines, gloveboxes).
- Strong background in chemical characterization techniques including NMR, FT-IR, MS, and ideally XRD.
- Soft Skills: Must demonstrate dynamism, scientific rigor, independence, perseverance, and strong communication skills. A deep scientific curiosity is essential to drive this demanding research project forward.
Scholarship / Project Description
This research program lies at the frontier of organic chemistry, mechanochemistry, and materials science. While most mechanochemical reactions triggered by stretching forces lead to thermodynamic sinks (making them non-reversible), the MechaAct project aims to break this barrier. The PhD candidate will be responsible for the design, synthesis, and cross-linking of innovative mechano-responsive molecules into polymer matrices. These systems will be engineered to reversibly capture, release, and/or catalyze small polluting molecules (such as CO2 and H2) using mechanical stretching forces. This thesis will lay the fundamental groundwork for utilizing mechanochemical stretching forces for catalytic activation in modern organic chemistry.
How to Apply
Interested and highly motivated candidates should apply by submitting the following documents directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Robin Weiss, or via the institutional application portal on the Weiss Lab website:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A cover/motivation letter highlighting relevant experience in organic/organometallic synthesis.
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc levels).
- Contact information for 1-2 academic references.
Last Date
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