Rare Earth Complexes for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis
Develop novel rare-earth metal complexes for advanced polymerization and catalysis toward sustainable chemistry.
Best for:Best for chemistry graduates with a strong background in organometallic synthesis and an interest in sustainable catalysis.
Overview
This PhD position at the Université de Lille focuses on designing a new generation of rare-earth metal complexes supported by amino-pyridine ligands for sustainable chemistry applications. The research project involves optimizing synthesis pathways, conducting advanced structural characterizations, and testing catalytic performance in conjugated diene polymerization and ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters. The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental organometallic knowledge while creating high value-added polymeric materials for elastomer and bio-based sectors. The appointment begins in October 2026 under a salaried funding structure.
What you'll do
- Synthesize and characterize novel mixed allyl/borohydride rare-earth complexes supported by amino-pyridine ligands
- Evaluate catalytic performance in the polymerization of conjugated dienes and cyclic esters
- Perform advanced structural characterizations of synthesized complexes and resulting polymers
- Investigate small-molecule activation pathways using the developed metal complexes
- Draft scientific reports, technical documentation, and peer-reviewed research publications
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree (MSc) in Chemistry or equivalent
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English sufficient for scientific reading and writing
Instruction: English and French
- Solid foundation in organic and organometallic synthesis
- Demonstrated scientific rigor and analytical capability
- Strong independence and initiative in experimental research
- Good written communication skills for scientific reporting
- Hold a Master 2 degree in chemistry or equivalent qualification
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official recruitment portal by logging in and completing the candidate submission steps.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master's transcripts
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