Prospective PhD fellowship in advanced characterisation of thin films for sustainable energy technologies

Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA) / CSIC-University of Zaragoza; España; On-site; EUR 14,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA) / CSIC-University of Zaragoza busca un/a becario/a de doctorado FPU para la caracterización avanzada de películas y interfaces funcionales. El proyecto combina diseño de materiales y técnicas de caracterización de alto nivel para entender procesos electroquímicos en celdas/sólidos.

El/la candidato/a trabajará en la integración de capas ultrafinas en dispositivos y desarrollará técnicas in situ y operando para estudiar propiedades bajo condiciones

Qualifications

• Se requiere maestría en Física, Química, Ingeniería Química o Ciencia de los Materiales con expediente académico excelente.
• Conocimientos de inglés buenos y capacidad de presentación y organización.
• Excelente historial académico y aptitud para investigación independiente.

Responsibilities

• Investigar y caracterizar recubrimientos y electrolitos funcionales en películas delgadas (10–100 nm).
• Desarrollar, optimizar y realizar técnicas de caracterización in situ y operando.
• Colaborar en el diseño y construcción de dispositivos para mejorar rendimiento.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science

Job description

Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA) / CSIC-University of Zaragoza

Organisation/Company Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA) / CSIC-University of Zaragoza Research Field Chemistry » Applied chemistry Physics » Applied physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 20 Nov 2026 - 14:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking highly motivated students holding a Master Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science or currently be in a position to fulfill this condition upon contract signing, expected in October 2027 (following the resolution of the call), with an excellent academic record, to apply for a FPU PhD fellowship focused on the advanced characterisation of functional thin films and interfaces.

Within this exciting project, the PhD student will investigate oxide thin films for low-temperature solid oxide cell (SOC) applications, including solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers. The research will combine materials design and optimization with advanced characterization techniques to deepen our understanding of the underlying electrochemical processes. The PhD student will play a key role in developing, characterizing, and optimizing electrolyte and electrode materials, as well as integrating ultrathin (10–100 nm) electrolyte and electrode layers into engineered devices to enhance their performance. A central component of the thesis will be the development and implementation of advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques to investigate the properties and behaviour of functional thin films and interfaces under operating conditions.

The PhD project will be carried out at the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, jointly run by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain’s largest public research organisation, and the University of Zaragoza (Unizar). This environment offers an outstanding opportunity to develop advanced research skills within a dynamic and internationally connected scientific community, with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting-edge characterisation techniques, and leading international collaborations. INMA is located in Zaragoza (population 800,000) a lively University city with flight and train connections to all major destinations.

Candidates should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science, or or currently be in a position to fulfill this condition upon contract signing, expected in October 2027 (following the resolution of the call), and an excellent academic record. We are looking for a fast learner with a hands-on, flexible, and proactive attitude, who demonstrates a high degree of responsibility and independence while working collaboratively with team members and laboratory staff. Good organizational and presentation skills, together with excellent written and spoken English are essential. The ideal candidate should enjoy tackling scientific challenges, solving problems creatively, and taking initiative to drive their research forward and achieve results.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Basic

Research Field Chemistry » Applied chemistryPhysics » Applied physics

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA) Country Spain State/Province Zaragoza City Zaragoza Postal Code 50018 Street Calle de Mariano Esquillor Gómez Geofield