PhD at AREA, Advanced Electron Microscopy of Functional Materials (TEM & In-Operando Studies)

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

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Thesis subject: Advanced Electron Microscopy of Functional Materials (TEM & In-Operando Studies) Complex functional materials-such as oxides, catalysts and energy-conversion systems-display unique physical and chemical properties including superconductivity, magnetism, ferroelectricity, catalytic reactivity and electrochemical behaviour. Representative oxide systems include transition-metal oxides (e.g. perovskite and spinel oxides), functional oxides for energy applications (such as materials for batteries and solid-oxide fuel cells), and oxide-based catalysts and electrocatalysts. These materials are relevant for applications in energy storage and conversion, hydrogen technologies, nanoelectronics, sensing, and sustainable catalysis. Understanding how their atomic-scale structure evolves under real operating conditions (temperature, electric fields, reactive environments, liquids, etc.) is key for the design of next-generation devices for energy, nanoelectronics, sustainable technologies and quantum applications.

This PhD project aims at investigating the structure-function relationships of advanced materials by means of state-of-the-art Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) combined with spectroscopy, in-situ/operando environments and correlative approaches with synchrotron-based techniques. Particular attention will be paid to the role of defects, interfaces, strain mechanisms and environmental stimuli on physical and chemical functionalities.

The work will involve:

- atomic-scale imaging and spectroscopy of complex oxides and nanostructured materials

- application of in-situ and operando TEM methodologies under different stimuli, such as electrical/thermal biasing and liquid/gas environments

- correlative analysis combining TEM, synchrotron techniques and multimodal characterization

- collaboration with synthesis, nanofabrication spectroscopy groups within the Area Science Park Campus

Further information may be obtained from: Dr. Regina Ciancio (tel.: +39 040 3755165, email: [emailprotected])

- Previous experience with electron microscopy or spectroscopy is beneficial but not mandatory. Good communication skills and enthusiasm for experimental work in an international environment are expected. Experience in programming, data analysis or simulations will be positively considered.

- Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities.

- The candidate must have obtained and provide proof of a diploma at the time of application. The European Commission/MSCA may consider a student eligible provided that the university issues an official certificate confirming that the degree has been completed. The diploma will have to be provided at a later stage and is a mandatory requirement for enrolment in a doctoral school.

- Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.

- Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule:candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute's country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline (31/03/2026).

- All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

- Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral program.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at University of Trieste (Italy) and based full-time at the Laboratory of Electron Microscopy (LAME) - Area Science Park (Trieste, Italy), other than at least two months of secondment at other institutions. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training program will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the 3-year PhD project.

The candidate will work in a modern technological environment, interacting with experts in electron microscopy, materials growth, and large-scale research infrastructures. The project is highly interdisciplinary, with impact across materials science, physics, chemistry, catalysis, and energy applications. Access to external advanced microscopy facilities as well as to the other laboratories and infrastructures involved in the NEXTSTEP consortium will be encouraged and supported.

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