Postdoc in Organic Chemistry in University of Bordeaux – France

Summary

The University of Bordeaux is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic Chemistry for a 24-month fixed-term contract, starting January 1, 2027. The position is part of the CoCat-Light project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), and is based at the Institute of Molecular Sciences (ISM) in Talence, France. The project focuses on the self-assembly of co-catalysts from photoredox/HAT catalytic processes, aiming to develop an innovative supramolecular photocatalytic methodology for generating chlorine atoms. The role involves methodological development of a photocatalytic process, mechanistic studies, photoreactivity characterization, and organic synthesis, specifically for the functionalization of alkanes. Applicants must hold a PhD in organic chemistry, have 1-4 years of research experience, and be proficient in English. The gross monthly salary ranges from 2750 € to 3000 €. The application deadline is October 11, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Institute of Molecular Sciences (ISM)
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Chemistry
Research Area	Organic chemistry
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent
Experience	1 – 4 years of research experience
Salary	from 2750 € to 3000 € gross monthly
Funding	French National Research Agency (ANR) CoCat-Light project
Contract Duration	24-month fixed-term contract
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-11
Required Documents	CV, brief statement of qualifications and basis for interest in the position, list of relevant publications, email addresses of 2 appropriate references
Employer Address	Institut des Sciences Moléculaires, 351 cours de la Libération, 33400 Talence, France

About the Project

The CoCat-Light project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), focuses on the self-assembly of co-catalysts from photoredox/HAT catalytic processes. The primary objective is to develop an innovative supramolecular photocatalytic methodology to generate chlorine atoms by monoelectronic oxidation of chloride ions under mild conditions and with high efficiency. Building on preliminary results, the project also aims to develop photocatalysts for the functionalization of alkanes, allowing for functionalization under mild conditions and with high selectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Methodological development of a photocatalytic process
• Study of the reaction mechanism
• Optimize catalytic conditions
• Study the extent of the reaction
• Carry out reactions under pressure
• Carry out kinetic studies
• Determine association constants
• Characterize the photoreactivity of complexes
• Carry out analyses using vibrational/electronic static and transient spectroscopy
• Conduct DFT calculations
• Synthesize substrates
• Develop photocatalytic systems for alkane functionalization under mild conditions and with high selectivity
• Compare the activity of developed systems with existing ones
• Contribute to scientific dissemination of results within the research group and through articles

Required Skills

• PhD in organic chemistry
• Experience in photoredox catalysis for the functionalization of alkanes or similar subject (ideally)
• Rigor in work
• Autonomy in work
• Good communication skills
• Proficiency in organic synthesis
• Proficiency in photoredox catalysis
• Proficiency in optical spectroscopy techniques
• Proficiency in English (C1 / B2 level)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for a postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in organic chemistry and 1-4 years of research experience. Ideal candidates will have prior experience in photoredox catalysis for alkane functionalization or a similar field. Proficiency in organic synthesis, photoredox catalysis, optical spectroscopy techniques, and English (C1/B2 level) is required. The role demands rigor, autonomy, and good communication skills.

Benefits

• Training course
• Up to 50 days of annual leave
• Up to 3 days per week remote work
• 75% coverage of public transport costs
• Integration into Organic Nano-Structures (NEO) and Molecular Spectroscopies (GSM) research groups
• Working in a privileged environment within a diverse and open professional community
• Benefiting from welcome and inclusion schemes
• Internal mobility opportunities

About the Employer

The University of Bordeaux is described as a dynamic and responsible university that prioritizes staff well-being. It offers a privileged working environment within a diverse and open professional community, with welcome and inclusion schemes, training, and internal mobility opportunities. The Institute of Molecular Sciences (ISM) at the University of Bordeaux is a community of organic chemists and physico-chemists focused on molecular structures, their design, synthesis, characterization, reactivity, and analysis. The ISM has expertise in quantum chemistry, molecular and reaction dynamics, synthetic chemistry, and physico-chemistry (spectroscopy, photochemistry, molecular recognition, and analysis), distributed across 10 research groups and 3 technical platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is a 24-month fixed-term contract.

What is the gross monthly salary range?

The gross monthly salary ranges from 2750 € to 3000 €.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 11, 2026, at 12:00 (Europe/Paris).

What are the main research areas of the project?

The project focuses on the self-assembly of co-catalysts from photoredox/HAT catalytic processes, aiming to develop a supramolecular photocatalytic methodology for generating chlorine atoms and functionalizing alkanes.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a CV, a brief statement of qualifications and interest, a list of relevant publications, and the email addresses of two appropriate references.

Is remote work an option for this position?

Yes, up to 3 days per week of remote work is possible.