Summary
A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available at the Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health (ICPEES), a joint research institute of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Strasbourg, France. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced ultra-high vacuum X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UHV-XPS) instrumentation for investigating the adsorption and thermal transformation of PFAS on activated carbon materials. This 12-month project offers extensive opportunities in instrumentation development, surface science research, advanced characterization techniques, and participation in international synchrotron experiments.
Postdoctoral Researcher Position – UHV-XPS Instrumentation Development for PFAS Research
Summary Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Project Area | UHV-XPS Instrumentation Development for PFAS Research |
| Institution | ICPEES (CNRS & University of Strasbourg) |
| Location | Strasbourg, France |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Start Date | Between December 2026 and February 2027 |
| Eligibility | PhD awarded after December 2025 or expected before January 2027 |
| Salary | Approximately €1,900 net per month |
| Application Mode | |
| Contact | spiros.zafeiratos@unistra.fr |
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher – UHV-XPS Instrumentation Development for PFAS Research
Research Area
- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
- Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) Instrumentation
- Surface Science
- PFAS Adsorption and Thermal Transformation
- Activated Carbon Materials
- Environmental and Energy Research
- Functional Fluorinated Carbon Materials
- Synchrotron-Based Characterization Techniques
Location
ICPEES (CNRS & University of Strasbourg)
Strasbourg, France
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- PhD obtained after December 2025, or expected to be awarded before January 2027.
- Strong experience in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) instrumentation.
- Good command of English (B2–C1 level).
- Knowledge of French is desirable but not mandatory.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Proactive approach to solving scientific and technical challenges.
Job Description
The selected postdoctoral researcher will:
- Contribute to the development of a custom-built Ultra-High Vacuum XPS (UHV-XPS) system.
- Develop and integrate a laser-heated reactor coupled to the UHV platform.
- Conduct quasi in situ XPS studies to investigate PFAS adsorption and transformation processes.
- Study PFAS capture mechanisms and their conversion into functional fluorinated carbon materials.
- Participate in instrumentation development and advanced surface science research.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team addressing environmental and energy challenges.
- Utilize advanced characterization facilities available at the University of Strasbourg.
- Participate in synchrotron experiments at leading international facilities, including:
- SOLEIL Synchrotron
- MAX IV Laboratory
- ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)
- BESSY
What the Position Offers
- Hands-on access to four UHV-XPS platforms.
- Extensive experience in advanced instrumentation development.
- Access to state-of-the-art characterization facilities.
- Opportunities to conduct experiments at world-leading synchrotron facilities.
- Collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment focused on environmental sustainability and energy applications.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application and inquiries directly via email to:
Spiros Zafeiratos
Email: spiros.zafeiratos@unistra.fr
Applicants are encouraged to contact the project supervisor for additional information regarding the position and application requirements.
Last Date for Apply
Until position filled
Applications are encouraged as early as possible since the position is expected to start between December 2026 and February 2027.
