Postdoctoral Researcher – Ammonia Synthesis via Mechanochemistry – SFA (25502) at University of Poitiers – France

Summary

The University of Poitiers is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a 24-month fixed-term contract within the IC2MP (SAMCat team) in Poitiers, France. As part of the ANR 'MecAmmonia' project, the successful candidate will conduct research on new pathways for ammonia synthesis via mechanochemistry under dynamic N2/H2 gas flow. Responsibilities include evaluating catalytic performance, identifying reaction mechanisms, optimizing flow mechanosynthesis devices on a vibratory mill, and performing isotopic exchange experiments. Applicants must hold a doctorate in chemistry with solid experience in heterogeneous catalysis, gas flow experimental setups, and reaction kinetics. The position is available from February 11, 2026, offering full-time employment (35 hours per week).

Key Facts

Department	IC2MP (SAMCat team)
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Chemistry
Research Area	Heterogeneous catalysis, mechanochemistry, ammonia synthesis
Degree Required	Doctorate in chemistry
Experience	Solid knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, kinetics and reaction mechanisms, and practical experience with experimental setups under gas flow.
Funding	ANR "MecAmmonia" project
Contract Duration	24 months
Employer Contact	Fabien CAN – [email protected]

About the Project

The ANR 'MecAmmonia' project focuses on developing new pathways for ammonia synthesis using mechanochemistry. The research involves mechanistic studies of NH3 synthesis under continuous N2/H2 gas flows, evaluating process performance and energy consumption against the traditional Haber-Bosch process, optimizing vibratory mill flow mechanosynthesis setups, and using isotopic exchange experiments to identify reaction intermediates.

Key Responsibilities

• Select the most promising catalyst families for the mechanochemical synthesis of ammonia.
• Evaluate catalytic performance under continuous flow in steady-state and transient regimes.
• Characterize the adsorption, storage, and release properties of nitrogen in catalytic materials.
• Identify rate-limiting kinetic steps and propose a reaction mechanism.
• Design and carry out isotopic exchange experiments in mechanochemistry to elucidate reaction mechanisms.

Required Skills

• Solid knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, kinetics, and reaction mechanisms.
• Practical experience with experimental setups under gas flow and handling of reactive gases.
• Mastery of catalyst characterization techniques and structure-activity relationship analysis.
• Skills in mechanistic studies, transient conditions, and isotopic exchange experiments.
• Mastery of experimental data processing, analysis, and scientific tools.

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD in Chemistry with expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, and experimental setups under gas flow who wish to investigate mechanochemical pathways for ammonia synthesis.

About the Employer

The University of Poitiers is a multidisciplinary French institution welcoming 30,000 students across 14 teaching units, featuring 37 research laboratories and 5 doctoral schools supported by nearly 3,000 staff members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this research position located?

The position is located at the University of Poitiers within the IC2MP (SAMCat team) in Poitiers, France.

What is the duration and workload of the contract?

It is a full-time (100%, 35 hours per week) fixed-term contract lasting 24 months.

When is the position available from?

The position is available from February 11, 2026.

What academic degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a Doctorate in Chemistry.

Who is the contact person for this application?

The contact person is Fabien CAN at [email protected].