Post-Doctoral Position in Organometallic/inorganic chemistry

Organisation/Company Université de Strasbourg Department Direction des ressources humaines Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 25 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 25 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research project or operation

The project aims to develop and characterize new “pseudo-bare” metal species M³⁺ (Sc³⁺ and Y³⁺), stabilized solely by weakly coordinating carborate anions (WCAs). These highly electrophilic cations could constitute exceptionally strong Lewis acids and enable the activation of otherwise poorly reactive substrates. An integrated approach combining classical molecular dynamics (cMD), DFT calculations, and experimental studies will be developed to understand their stability, structure, and behavior in solution. The present post-doc position will involve experimental studies and focus on the synthesis and reactivity of unprecedented “pseudo-naked” M3+ tri-cations (M = Sc, Y) of the typeM[WCA]3 salts, with WCAs such as carborate anions so that to maximize the electrophilic character of the metal cation center.

The reactivity of these highly reactive cations with small molecules of interest (CO2, H2, unsaturated substrates) and their potential as catalysts will be experimentally investigated via catalytic hydro-functionalization and hydrogenation reactions of various unsaturated substrates (alkenes and alkynes primarily).

The project is thus expected to establish the molecular foundations required to stabilize and exploit “naked/pseudo-naked” metal trications as a new class of highly electrophilic metal tri-cations.

Activities

Description of the research activities:

• Development of synthetic methologies to access M[WCA]3 metal carborate salts (M = Sc, Y)
• Experimental assessment of the stability and dissociation of M[HexCB11Cl11]3 species (M = Sc, Y) in solution
• Experimental Lewis acidity (including superacidity) assessment of M[HexCB11Cl11]3 salts.
• Reactivity studies towards small molecules and substrates (CO2, H2, alkenes, alkynes, silanes).

Mechanistic investigation of catalytic reactions (NMR kinetic studies, control experiments)

Related activities :

• Work closely with theoretical (DFT + MD) partners to rationalize and gain insights into the experimental results.
• Participate regularly in consortium meetings and interdisciplinary discussions.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Skills

• Qualifications/knowledge :
• Required: in-depth knowledge of organometallic complex synthesis and derived reactivities

Experience in homogeneous catalysis would be a plus but is not a prerequisite.

• Operational skills/expertise :
• Required:expertise in the synthesis and handling highly air-sensitive organometallic complexes

Ability to work independently as well as within a collaborative research environment

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Scientific curiosity and strong motivation for research
• Problem-solving mindset
• Strong team spirit and ability to collaborate effectively
• Good communication skills in an interdisciplinary research environment

----

Desired level of education : PhD obtained within the past three years

Experience required : Recruitment with maximum one year of post-doctoral experience

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Workplace : UMR 7177 – Institute of Chemistry Country France City Strasbourg Postal Code 67000 Geofield