PhD Position in Organometallic Chemistry and Sustainable Catalysis

Position Overview:

The Université de Lorraine (L2CM, UMR 7053) invites applications for a PhD position in Organometallic Chemistry and Sustainable Catalysis, within the research project:

“Novel CAAC-Based Complexes Using Abundant Metals for Hydrogenation Reactions”

The project aims to develop new cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC)-based ligands and investigate their coordination chemistry with earth-abundant metals to enable efficient and sustainable hydrogenation catalysis. Catalytic hydrogenation using molecular dihydrogen is a cornerstone of green chemistry, yet the selective reduction of relatively inert carbonic acid derivatives, such as carbonates, carbamates, and ureas, remains a major challenge. Developing catalytic systems capable of transforming these substrates under mild conditions using non-precious metals would establish a sustainable route for CO₂ valorization, as these compounds are easily derived from CO₂. Extending this strategy to polymeric analogues could further provide innovative approaches to chemical recycling, contributing to the mitigation of global plastic waste.

Research Objectives:

The PhD candidate will be involved in:

• Design and synthesis of novel bi- and tridentate CAAC ligands
• Exploration of coordination chemistry with first-row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni).
• Full characterization of organometallic complexes
• Evaluation of catalytic activity in hydrogenation reactions
• Mechanistic investigations using NMR, IR spectroscopy, kinetic studies, and DFT calculations

The project combines advanced ligand design, air-sensitive organometallic synthesis, homogeneous catalysis, and mechanistic analysis within a sustainability-driven framework.

The Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (L2CM) is a joint research unit of the University of Lorraine and the CNRS (UMR 7053), bringing together around 40 permanent staff members and 20 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. 

L2CM is located at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of the University of Lorraine, in Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy (Grignard Campus). It also has two branches:
– at the Institute of Chemistry, Physics and Materials (ICPM) in Metz, and
– on the Brabois Health Campus in Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy.

Candidate Profile

Education

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, or a related field.

Technical Skills

• Strong background in in multistep organic and organometallic synthesis
• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive techniques (Schlenk line, glovebox)
• Proficiency in standard characterization techniques (NMR, IR, MS; GC, GC-MS X-ray diffraction)
• Familiarity with catalytic reactions; experience with high-pressure equipment (autoclaves) is an advantage

Previous research experience (e.g., Master’s internship) in organometallic chemistry or catalysis will be highly appreciated.

Language

Excellent command of English (written and spoken)

Personal Qualities

Self-motivated, independent, target-oriented, systematic working style, creative, and excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills.

The successful candidate will join the SynOCat (Synergistic Organometallic Catalysis) group at the L2CM laboratory, working under the supervision of Prof. Christophe Werlé, and Dr. Ruqaya Buhaibeh.

Please submit your application documents as a single PDF, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates, and contact information for two references. Application should be sent via email to: (ruqaya.buhaibeh@univ-lorraine.fr).