PhD student at ILL: Structural Study of Stratum Corneum Lipid Interfaces European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, offers a unique PhD opportunity focused on the structural study of the stratum corneum lipid interfaces. This project aims to advance our understanding of the human skin’s primary barrier, the stratum corneum, by investigating the interface between corneocytes and intercellular lipids using state-of-the-art neutron diffraction, neutron reflectometry, and advanced optical microscopy techniques.

The research is fundamentally oriented but has strong relevance to applied and industrial contexts, including collaboration with L'Oréal, a global leader in cosmetic science. The successful candidate will join the Large Scale Structures (LSS) group at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), one of the world’s leading centers for neutron science, and will benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities and an international research environment. The PhD will be academically supervised by Dr. Carlos Marques at the École normale supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon), where the candidate will be formally enrolled and will carry out part of the research program.

Applicants should have a Master degree or equivalent in physics, chemistry, physical chemistry, soft matter, biophysics, or a related field. A strong interest in structural characterization of complex biological materials is essential, and experience or interest in scattering methods, soft matter, or microscopy is highly valued. Candidates must be able to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment. Non-native English speakers must provide proof of validated English proficiency at B2 level, either via a test or an official degree conducted in English. Compliance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule is required: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than twelve months in the three years before the deadline. Candidates must not already be working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree and must already hold a master’s degree at the call deadline. Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

The position is based full-time at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, with additional visits as necessary to L’Oréal (Paris) and ENS de Lyon. A varied pedagogical training programme will be offered throughout the 3-year PhD project. The research environment is highly international, with host laboratories including ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), and NTNU (Norway).

For further information, candidates may contact Apostolos Vagias ([email protected]), Carlos Marques ([email protected]), or Bruno Demé ([email protected]). Applications should be submitted online via the provided links, ensuring all eligibility requirements are met and supporting documents are included.