Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) is advertising a PhD thesis project on operando TEM analysis of ionotronic materials, with the thesis subject titled Growth and Characterization of Two-Dimensional Free-standing Functional Oxides . The project is centered on developing a stable, electron-transparent crystalline platform for advanced in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of functional materials during epitaxial growth and under external stimuli such as electric and magnetic fields and light illumination. The research will use free-standing single-crystalline membranes developed at PGI-7 as substrates for direct growth and operando TEM investigation of complex oxide materials. The candidate will study in situ epitaxial growth, oxygen-vacancy ordering, and topotactic phase transitions in systems such as SrFe(Co)Ox thin films and nanostructures. Experimental methods include state-of-the-art in situ TEM, electron holography, and electrical and optical biasing to probe the interplay between crystal growth, atomic structure, ionic transport, and local magnetic properties in real time. The project is hosted at the Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, a leading electron microscopy facility with advanced microscopes and correlative surface science instrumentation. The project is a collaboration between ER-C and PGI-7, an institute known for atomically defined oxide thin films, ionic-electronic property characterization, and materials integration for information technology, including neuromorphic computing and quantum materials. Eligibility highlights include a PhD-qualifying degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field; prior experience in X-ray microscopy, electron microscopy, or exfoliated 2D materials; a strong background in condensed matter physics; and English proficiency. The posting also states compliance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule and requires that applicants be doctoral candidates eligible for enrolment in a PhD programme. The project runs for 3 years and includes a secondment of at least two months at an international partner institution. The posting lists Dr. Amir H. Tavabi, Dr. Felix Gunkel, Prof. Regina Dittmann, and Prof. Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski as contacts for further information.