15 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Thermoelectric Materials and Solid-State Cooling (MSCA Doctoral Network, Horizon Europe) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (multiple European institutions) in United Kingdom

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) is offering 15 fully funded PhD positions focused on sustainable magnesium-based thermoelectric materials for next-generation solid-state cooling applications. This EU-funded Horizon Europe project brings together leading European research institutions to advance materials science, device engineering, and system integration for innovative cooling solutions.

Each doctoral candidate (DC) will join a specific research project, ranging from materials synthesis and characterisation, microstructure and interface engineering, computational modelling, module fabrication, advanced coating technologies, to system optimisation for photonic and refrigeration devices. Host institutions include University of Cyprus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, King’s College London, University College Cork, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, German Aerospace Center, IFW Dresden, Public University of Navarra, III-V Lab, and University of Southampton.

Supervisors are internationally recognised experts in their fields, such as Prof. Dr. Theodora Kyratsi, Dr. Elsa Branco Lopes, Prof. Dr. Christina Scheu, Dr. Ivana Savic, Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb, Dr. Marisol Martin-Gonzalez, Prof. Dr. Johannes de Boor, Prof. Dr. Kornelius Nielsch, Prof. Dr. David Astrain, Dr. Alexandre Shen, and Dr. Ruomeng Huang. The network offers a structured doctoral programme, industry and academic training, international mobility, and secondments.

Funding is provided according to MSCA regulations, including a living allowance (€4,010/month before country correction coefficient), mobility allowance (€710/month), and family allowance (€660/month if applicable). The final salary depends on the host country’s correction coefficient, national taxation, and social security contributions. All positions are fully funded, with tuition and stipend covered by the European Union.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in materials science, physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline, demonstrate a strong interest in research and innovation, and possess good English communication skills. Candidates must not already hold a PhD and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have lived or worked in the recruiting country for more than 12 months within the past 36 months). The network is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

The start date for all positions is 01 July 2026. To apply, visit https://mgician.eu, select your preferred PhD project (DC1–DC15), and submit your CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts. You may indicate up to two optional choices relevant to your academic background and interests. For administrative questions, contact Dr. Jamil Ur Rahman.

This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant European research network, contribute to cutting-edge advances in thermoelectric materials and solid-state cooling, and benefit from excellent training and international collaboration.