PhD In situ X-ray nanodiffraction analysis of hydrogen interaction with microstructures

ESRF - The European Synchrotron; Grenoble; Sur place; EUR 21 000 - 36 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Relocation support

International research environment

Competitive compensation

Résumé du poste

ESRF - The European Synchrotron in Grenoble invites doctoral candidates to join ID13 beamline to advance in situ X-ray nanodiffraction analysis of hydrogen interactions with metallic microstructures. The project develops electrochemical X-ray nanodiffraction, enabling real-time tracking of hydrogen diffusion, hydride formation and stress evolution during charging.

Enrolment at a doctoral program is required, with a two-year contract renewable; relocation support and an international research

Qualifications

• You must be enrolled in a PhD program and obtain the diploma to enrol in the doctoral school.
• Background in X-ray diffraction and/or electrochemistry is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience with basic scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is useful.

Responsabilités

• Join ID13 beamline team to advance in situ X-ray nanodiffraction analysis of hydrogen interactions with microstructures.
• Develop electrochemical X-ray nanodiffraction to study hydrogen diffusion, hydride formation and stress evolution.
• Collaborate with international researchers and contribute to real-time data interpretation.

Connaissances

X-ray diffraction

Electrochemistry

Python

Materials science

Formation

PhD enrollment required

Master's degree acceptable

Outils

MATLAB

Python

Description du poste

Context & Job Description

Thesis subject: In situ X-ray nanodiffraction analysis of hydrogen interaction with microstructures You will join ID13’s team composed of 7 people. The beamline ID13’s mission is to provide fast scanning X-ray micro-/nano-beam diffraction combined with X-ray fluorescence detection often employed for

Context & Job Description

Thesis subject: In situ X-ray nanodiffraction analysis of hydrogen interaction with microstructures You will join ID13’s team composed of 7 people. The beamline ID13’s mission is to provide fast scanning X-ray micro-/nano-beam diffraction combined with X-ray fluorescence detection often employed for in-situ/operando experiments. This PhD project focuses on advancing the understanding of hydrogen interactions with materials, a critical area for hydrogen-based technologies essential to global sustainability and energy transition goals. Utilizing the capabilities of the ID13 beamline the project will develop the electrochemical X-ray nanodiffraction technique. This novel method enables simultaneous hydrogen charging and in situ characterization of structural, microstructural, and stress‑strain changes in metallic microstructures. The research aims at providing real‑time insights into hydrogen diffusion fronts, hydride formation, and the influence of interfaces and stress gradients.

Expected profile

• Strong interest in Material Science.
• A background in X-ray diffraction and/or electrochemistry is desirable but not manadatory.
• Experience in basic scientific programming techniques (e.g. python, Matlab).
• Self-motivated and self-driven.
• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities
• The candidate must have obtained and provide proof of a diploma at the time of application. The European Commission/MSCA may consider a student eligible provided that the university issues an official certificate confirming that the degree has been completed. The diploma will have to be provided at a later stage and is a mandatory requirement for enrolment in a doctoral school.
• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper‑intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native‑English‑speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska‑Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline (30/09/2026).
• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

You shall be enrolled at Montanuniversity Leoben, Austria Doctoral School as a condition of your recruitment.

Contract of two years, renewable for one year.

What We Offer

• Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
• Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
• Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
• Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

Company Description

More details about the Nextstep Doctoral Programme on www.nextstep-programme.eu

NEXTSTEP will train 36 enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).