You are here : Home > The MEM Lab > DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR

Permanent position opening for a researcher - staff scientist

DNP-enhanced solid-state NMR


Page Web française.
Published on 1 July 2020
Job description
The Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble (IRIG) has an open position for a researcher - staff scientist specialist in NMR spectroscopy applied to the chemical sciences. The successful candidate will be affiliated to the Modeling and Exploration of Materials Laboratory (MEM), a joint research unit of CEA and the University Grenoble Alpes. He/she will join the DNP research group led by G. De Paëpe at IRIG/MEM/RM, CEA Grenoble, France.

The successful candidate will participate in the research activities of the group, will build and manage new projects with academic and industrial partners. He/She will also be in charge of the DNP-NMR lab equipment in terms of day-to-day operation, maintenance, hardware troubleshooting and fixing. As such, duties include operation of 2 high-field DNP-NMR spectrometers, a fully automated cryostat for close-loop cryogenic helium sample spinning, developing and testing helium/nitrogen ultra-fast MAS-DNP probes. A central aspect of the work will consist in setting up established pulse sequences (for spin ½ and quadrupolar nuclei) but also to design and develop innovative sequences, data acquisition and processing protocols, as well as user-friendly post-processing analysis tools. The position implies as well, taking an active part in training and guiding graduate students from the group.

Scientific environment and workplace
The MEM laboratory currently hosts 2 DNP spectrometers, including the first DNP spectrometer installed in France (2011). Since then, the laboratory has gained international recognition in the DNP field. The originality of the Grenoble DNP team lies in the diversity of its research, which encompasses methodological developments (pulse sequences, sample preparation, DNP theory, design of improved polarizing agents, targeted and selective DNP), major instrumental developments (autonomous helium cryostat and fast MAS cryogenic probes operating at very low temperatures << 100 K and fast MAS), but also advanced applications in the field of functional materials and complex biomolecular systems.
The MEM laboratory also hosts 3 other NMR spectrometers (200 / 400 / 500 MHz) equipped with solution, PFG, HRMAS and solid-state NMR probes, including a fast MAS probe and an in operando probe for low field paramagnetic NMR. IRIG gathers 10 laboratories including MEM, with about 1000 researchers, technicians, doctoral and post-doctoral students, covering a large variety of interdisciplinary fields (nanophysics, chemistry for health and energy, cryo-technologies, biology and medicine). Besides, IRIG includes also the IBS NMR groups which are specialized in structural biology and host 6 other NMR instruments (including a 950 MHz spectrometer). This strong environment in NMR is ideally complemented by research teams specialized in EPR, advanced electron microscopy, X-ray (lab equipment and ESRF) and neutron (ILL) diffraction.
Located in the French Alps and surrounded by a stunning natural environment, the international city of Grenoble represents an extremely rich ecosystem formed by public research organizations (CEA, CNRS, ESRF, ILL) and high-tech companies. In addition, the Université Grenoble Alpes attracts a large number of students who can benefit from high-level academic training in a broad range of disciplines.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD in Chemistry / Physical Chemistry / Physics or Engineering with a dissertation awarded from a research group specialized in advanced NMR spectroscopy techniques. The candidate should have hands-on experience in solid-state NMR and dynamic nuclear polarization. Preference will be given to candidates with postdoctoral experience of at least two to three years. The candidate should master NMR acquisition software and have a strong expertise in pulse sequence development and computational analysis. Experience with spectrometer and probe troubleshooting, matlab or equivalent, python scripting etc. is a plus. Excellent communication skills in English and ability to work in a research team is a requirement.

How to apply
Candidates are requested to send by email a motivation letter and a detailed CV to Gaël De Paëpe, deadline for application: August 15th, 2020. Selected candidates will be informed quickly and called for an interview planned in September 2020.

Additional information
This offer corresponds to a tenure track position at the French Atomic and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Top page