Martin Heilmaier

Three top European institutions are offering fully funded PhD positions in physics and materials science for the 2026 intake. At Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Research Training Group 2561 'MatCom-ComMat' focuses on developing and characterizing novel composite materials for extreme conditions, combining refractory metal alloys and polymer-derived ceramic nanocomposites. Up to twelve doctoral positions are available, with interdisciplinary supervision and opportunities for international research stays. Applicants should have a master's degree in materials science, mechanical or chemical engineering, physics, or chemistry. The position is funded by DFG, with a 3-year contract and salary category 13 TV-L. At the University of Twente, the PhD position is part of the TunnelVision project, investigating quantum-mechanical tunnelling devices for ultralow-power electronics, with applications in IoT and edge AI. The research is conducted within the Integrated Devices & Systems and Power Electronics groups, with daily guidance from Dr. Ray Hueting and Prof. Jurriaan Schmitz. Candidates need an MSc in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, and strong skills in modelling, semiconductor physics, and electronics. The position offers a four-year contract, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. At the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), the PhD program welcomes candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in physics, materials science, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, neuroscience, and related areas. The program is interdisciplinary, with world-class facilities and full funding. The application process is online, with a deadline of January 8, 2026. All positions require strong motivation, academic excellence, and fluency in English. Application deadlines are in January 2026, and candidates should prepare all required documents and apply via the respective university portals.

Multiple PhD opportunities are available in Physics and Materials Science at top European institutions: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany, University of Twente in the Netherlands, and Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). At KIT, the Research Training Group 2561 “MatCom-ComMat” focuses on developing and characterizing novel composite materials for extreme environments, with up to twelve doctoral positions available. The program is collaborative, involving KIT, TU Darmstadt, and Dechema Research Institute, and offers training, international research stays, and a competitive salary. At the University of Twente, the PhD project centers on the physics of tunnelling devices for ultralow-power electronics, with research conducted in the Integrated Devices & Systems and Power Electronics groups. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research and offers a four-year contract with a competitive salary and benefits. ISTA in Austria also offers a PhD program in Science and Technology, with a focus on interdisciplinary research. All positions require a relevant master's degree, strong research skills, and fluency in English. Application deadlines are in early to mid-January 2026. These positions are ideal for candidates interested in high-impact research in materials science, condensed matter, device physics, and related fields.