PhD at FZJ, high-res. time-resolved microstructural evolution under ion irradiation via TEM

PhD at FZJ, High-res. time-resolved microstructural evolution under ion irradiation via TEM

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, is an international research centre supported by 19 countries. Its state‑of‑the‑art accelerator produces intense X‑ray beams used by thousands of scientists annually across biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics. The ESRF is an equal‑opportunity employer that encourages diversity.

Thesis subject: High‑Resolution Time‑Resolved Microstructural Evolution Under Ion Irradiation using transmission electron microscopy .

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows a comprehensive understanding of microstructure–property relationships in materials exposed to stimuli under near‑operational conditions. Real‑time observations of material evolution during ion interactions remain largely unexplored; this knowledge is essential for designing advanced materials for energy, aerospace, and nuclear applications.

This PhD project will leverage Dynamic TEM (DTEM) to directly visualize irreversible microstructural changes in real time, capturing transformations from nanoseconds to microseconds with near‑atomic spatial resolution. It will pioneer the observation of high‑energy ion‑induced atomic displacement cascades and associated ultrafast rearrangements, aiding prediction and mitigation of their detrimental effects. The project will also explore how laser illumination and mechanical forces influence microstructural stability.

The key focus areas include:

• Tracking microstructural evolution and defect dynamics.
• Investigating phase transitions under irradiation.

Simulations of displacement‑cascade formation and microstructural evolution through molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo, and kinetic rate theory calculations will complement the experimental findings, providing an improved understanding of the observed phenomena. Advanced image‑processing techniques will be applied to analyse low‑dose recorded images.

The Ernst Ruska‑Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER‑C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich will serve as the host institute, collaborating with ETH Zurich. ER‑C houses a world‑class collection of electron microscopes, enabling high‑resolution studies of materials and devices.Extended research stays at ETH Zurich will provide access to complementary expertise, metallic sample preparation, and additional advanced microscopy instrumentation at the ScopeM center of ETH Zurich.

The ideal candidate has a background in one or more of the following areas:

• Hands‑on experience with TEM and TEM specimen fabrication.
• Image‑processing skills and programming knowledge in Python, MATLAB, or other data‑processing languages.
• Knowledge of metal defects, phase transitions, and radiation effects in materials.
• Experience with ion‑irradiation processes.

Additional qualifications:

• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (e.g., MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics, or a closely related field. Proof of the diploma must be provided at the time of application.
• Proficiency in English (upper‑intermediate B2 level proof required; native‑English speakers may apply without proof; a degree conducted in English also accepted). If proof cannot be provided, a free English test will be requested.
• Compliance with the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline (31/03/2026 ).
• All recruited researchers must be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already working toward or in possession of a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

For this 3‑year PhD project, the successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at RWTH Aachen, based full‑time at Forschungszentrum Jülich with at least a three‑month secondment at ETH Zurich. A varied pedagogical training programme will be offered throughout the Ph.D. project.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities is important to us.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

Job details

Title: PhD at FZJ, High-res. time-resolved microstructural evolution under ion irradiation via TEM

Application deadline: 31/03/ :59 (Europe/Paris) • 31/03/ :59 (CET)

The ESRF is an X‑ray light source for Europe, located in Grenoble, France, and supported and shared by 20 countries.