The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, offers a PhD position focused on in situ neutron diffraction for green steel and functional metal oxides. ESRF is a world-leading research centre, renowned for its advanced particle accelerator and intense X-ray beams, supporting thousands of scientists annually across diverse fields. The successful candidate will join the diffraction group at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), working with powder diffractometers D1B and D20, which are specialized for time-resolved in situ investigations of solids, phase transitions, and chemical reactions.

The PhD project aims to elucidate reaction pathways for hydrogen reduction of metal oxides using in situ neutron diffraction, complemented by in situ X-ray powder diffraction at Leipzig University, Germany. The research will focus on understanding atomic-level reaction mechanisms relevant to industrial processes such as ore smelting and developing synthesis strategies for reduced transition metal oxides. Target compounds include oxides of chromium, iron, tungsten, and strongly correlated electron systems like SrFeO3−𝛿, LaNiO3, and SrRuO3. The project will enable extraction of structural details, including oxygen defects and hydrogen content, for all phases and intermediates, contributing to improvements in both industrial and laboratory-based synthesis of functional materials.

Applicants should have a strong background in the synthesis of solids, crystallography, and diffraction methods, with programming skills considered an advantage. Manual skills and attention to detail are essential. Candidates must hold a degree qualifying them for PhD enrolment (MSc, Master, or equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related field such as physics, materials sciences, or nanotechnology. Proficiency in English at B2 level is required, with proof to be included in the application unless the applicant is from a native-English-speaking country or holds a degree conducted in English. If proof cannot be provided, an English test will be offered free of charge.

The position is subject to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the call deadline. Candidates must not already be working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must already hold a master's degree at the call deadline. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at Leipzig University (Germany) and based full-time at the ILL in Grenoble, France, with 2-4 months of preparational work at Leipzig University. A varied pedagogical training programme will be provided throughout the 3-year PhD project.

For further information, contact Dr. Thomas Hansen ([email protected]), Dr. Ove Korjus ([email protected]), or Prof. Dr. Holger Kohlmann ([email protected]). Applications should be submitted via the provided application link, including all required documentation and proof of eligibility.