Postdoc position, Experimental Gas-phase Chemical Physics - Molecular Energy transfer for astrophysical applications, the Institute of Physics of Rennes, France (Deadline: 03.07.2025)

Postdoc in experimental gas-phase chemical physics – molecular energy transfer for astrophysical applications at the Institute of Physics, Rennes, France

A postdoctoral research associate position in experimental chemical physics is available to work at the Université de Rennes, Institut de Physique de Rennes, France, on the ANR project BRIGHTER (BRIdGing tHe energy TransfER gap – linking theory and experiment for collisional excitation)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position at the Institute of Physics Rennes (IPR) to conduct experimental research in fundamental chemical physics, with particular application to molecular astrophysics and astrochemistry. BRIGHTER is a single team ANR project recently awarded to a group led by Ian Sims and François Lique from the Department of Molecular Physics at the IPR. The project combines experiments and theory to understand and model the transfer of energy that occurs between molecules when they collide in the gas phase, and has grown out of two recent ERC projects in the DPM, CRESUCHIRP (https://cresuchirp.wordpress.com) and COLLEXISM (https://collexism.com). It has direct relevance to astronomical observations, in particular of molecules that are detected in the atmospheres or comae of comets.

The successful candidate will work closely with Ian Sims and the BRIGHTER team at the IPR, with strong interactions with the theory group led by François Lique. The project is fully funded by the ANR as well as the CNRS, and benefits from new, dedicated laboratory and office space. The experiments are based on our recent work on collisional energy transfer in HCN/HNC – He (B.M. Hays et al. Nature Chemistry 14, 811-815 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-022-00936-x / https://hal.science/hal-03687777v1) ) and CO – H₂ (H. Labiad et al. Phys. Rev. A 105, 6, L020802 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.105.L020802 /  https://hal.science/hal-03629790) 

Candidate profile

Candidates should hold or expect to hold a PhD in gas-phase experimental physics or (physical) chemistry. Experience in the use of microwave spectroscopy, pulsed lasers, vacuum and gas handling techniques and computer interfacing and programming is highly desirable. Experience in the supervision of research (e.g. undergraduate projects) would also be advantageous. A good working knowledge of English is essential.

Research training environment and conditions

The postdoc would benefit from an exceptional technical environment constructed within the framework of the ERC CRESUCHIRP project, both in terms of dedicated and high-quality laboratory space as well as custom built high performance scientific instruments. The project will be undertaken within the intellectually stimulating context of the Rennes Laboratory Astrophysics group (https://ipr.univ-rennes.fr/en/molecular-physics-department/laboratory-astrophysics) within the Molecular Physics Department of the Institute of Physics Rennes (https://ipr.univ-rennes.fr/en/molecular-physics-department). The Laboratory Astrophysics group is internationally known for its experimental studies of elementary processes of interest for astrophysics, atmospheric science and combustion, and benefits from excellent technical and administrative support. It is situated in Rennes, the attractive and vibrant capital of the Brittany region of France.

Deadline and application procedure

The position is available to start in the period May—October 2025 (initially for 12 months, renewable for a further period of 18 months by mutual agreement) and a competitive salary will be offered. Inquires and applications, including a detailed CV citing grades, a letter of intent, and the names and contact details of two (or three if possible) potential referees, should be addressed to Prof. Ian Sims (ian.sims@univ-rennes.fr).  Review of candidatures will begin immediately, and the call will remain open until a suitable candidate has been appointed.

Keywords: Chirped Pulse Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy (CPFTMW), CRESU, Chirped Pulse in Uniform supersonic Flow (CPUF), Collisional Energy Transfer, Low Temperature Reaction Kinetics, Elementary Reactions, Molecular Astrophysics, Experimental Astrochemistry, Laboratory Astrophysics, Chemical Physics, Gas-Phase Physical Chemistry 

Further information

To find out more about our research, see the Department’s website above, as well as my personal pages which can be accessed via https://ipr.univ-rennes.fr/en/interlocutors/ian-sims