Job Opportunities

Current Opportunities

Fully funded postdoctoral position on synthesis and characterization of MOFs (experimental) 

The Project: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials with many societally relevant potential applications, such as carbon capture, removal of environmental toxins and drug-delivery. Despite the progress in the field, synthesizing a MOF currently requires tens to hundreds costly and time-consuming trial-and-error synthesis experiments because our ability to correlate the synthesis conditions with the desired MOF structure is very limited. To overcome this, we need to decode the mechanisms underlying MOF self-assembly, a highly complex non-equilibrium process covering a wide range of time- and length-scales, from the formation of the building units to nucleation and growth. Within the MAGNIFY project, funded by the European Research Council and which started in 2022, a team of five modellers has been working on developing computational methods to model the self-assembly of MOFs. We are now looking to work in tandem with synthesis experiments experts to address this highly challenging research problem.

In this context, we are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher (PDR) to work as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers to help in decoding the mechanisms underlying MOF self-assembly, in view of being able to predict synthesis conditions-structure (topology, defects) relationships within the MAGNIFY project. The PDR will synthesize targeted MOFs (i.e., ZIFs, UiO-66(Zr) and Ti-based MOFs) with a specific interest in varying/controlling their synthesis conditions (temperature, solvent, additives, nature of reactants, counterions, among others). She/he will also characterize the obtained solids by means of different complementary techniques (e.g., in situ/ex situ XRD, spectroscopy and microscopy, etc.) to better understand the mechanisms underlying the different stages of MOF synthesis. The postdoctoral researcher will work in strong collaboration with the modelling part of the team, with the objective to generate a real synergy. The PDR will also prepare and participate to regular meetings (reports, presentations…).

About us: the project will be carried out at Sorbonne Université at the PHENIX laboratory and at the Institute of Porous Materials of Paris (IMAP). IMAP is recognized as one of the world leaders in MOF synthesis and characterization. The PHENIX laboratory is internationally recognized for its contributions in the development and implementation of a large variety of multiscale modelling and experimental techniques applied to studying the structure and dynamics of complex condensed phase systems. We work in a supportive and vibrant environment, we value teamwork and diversity and we actively help promote the career of our PhDs and postdocs.

How to apply: We are looking for a postdoc candidate with experience in synthesizing and characterizing MOFs or similar materials. Experience in in situ and/or combinatorial synthesis will be considered as a plus. To apply, please send us a CV, a short letter explaining why you would like to join us, and a document stating your master and licence qualifications. One or two letters of recommendation or the contact of a reference person (PhD and/or master supervisor) would be highly appreciated. The starting date can be negotiated but is expected to lie around fall 2025. Duration: 2 years. Deadline to apply: 30/04/2025.

Principal Investigators: Rocio Semino (rocio.semino@sorbonne-universite.fr) and Georges Mouchaham (imap.recrutement@ens.psl.eu)

MORE INFORMATION ON THE MAGNIFY PROJECT: click here