Chemistry of actinides (Th, U) for the synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid compounds (such as MOFs) - M/F.
Role: Chemistry of actinides (Th, U) for the synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid compounds (such as MOFs) - M/F.
Organization: CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research
Department: Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide
Location: Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time (35 hours/week)
Start Date: 1 Oct 2026
Application Deadline: 26 Jun 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Job Overview:
This doctoral research position is funded under the national PEPR research program “Upstream Science for Nuclear Fission – SCIAM,” proposed by the Agency for Decarbonized Energy (APED) and led by the CEA. The initiative aims to organize fundamental R&D activities in the context of the revival of the French nuclear industry. The research will take place at the Villeneuve d'Ascq campus of the University of Lille, within the “Hybrid Materials – MATHYB” team of the Catalysis and Solid-State Chemistry Unit – UCCS UMR CNRS 8181, under the supervision of Thierry Loiseau (CNRS Research Director). The work will be conducted in laboratories dedicated to the handling of radionuclides, notably those located at the Michel-Eugène Chevreul Institute (IMEC UAR CNRS 2638) at the University of Lille, which are equipped with glove boxes and chemical synthesis systems under controlled atmosphere.
Responsibilities:
The thesis topic focuses on the chemical reactivity of actinides (thorium, uranium) with polyatomic organic ligands of the carboxylic acid type, with the aim of constructing new ordered structures, whether in the form of coordination polymers exhibiting various dimensions (from molecular structures—0D—to 1D, 2D, or 3D) or Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). The goal is to explore new chemical systems, particularly by stabilizing reduced oxidation states of uranium (e.g., U⁴⁺). The strategy relies on the use of organic complexing ligands to control the nuclearity of a given polycondensed inorganic species. By manipulating the controlled hydrolysis process, the researcher will promote a limited number of metal-oxygen bonds to define discrete polyoxo cluster systems. This concept of clusters will be used as a building block for the formation of multidimensional networks. These new chemical entities will be evaluated for their molecular adsorption or cation exchange capacity, with the aim of developing new storage matrices for transuranic actinides.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, or Technology.
- Research Experience: None required.
- Languages: French (Basic level).
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1).
Additional Information:
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide
- Contact Website: http://uccs.univ-lille1.fr
- Application Website: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR8181-THILOI-001/Default.aspx