PhD student at ESRF - studying mineral-protein superlattices in silica sponges

Karlstad University; Grenoble; Sur place; EUR 25 000 - 35 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An international research institute in Grenoble seeks a PhD student to study mineral-protein superlattices in silica sponges. The role involves conducting advanced experiments and collaborating with global experts. Applicants must have a relevant degree, proficiency in Python programming, and a good command of English. Competitive compensation and relocation support are provided.

Prestations

Competitive compensation

Relocation support

Diverse workforce

Quality of life support

Qualifications

• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD in a relevant field.
• Background in bioengineering, physics, or crystallography is desirable.
• Manual skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to code (Python) is mandatory.
• Proficiency in English at B2 level is required.
• Must comply with Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule.

Responsabilités

• Conduct X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy experiments.
• Develop multi-BCDI measurement protocols.
• Collaborate with institutes to integrate findings.
• Analyze experimental data and present results.

Connaissances

Manual skills and attention to detail

Ability to code (Python)

Proficiency in English

Formation

Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD in chemistry, materials science, physics or closely related science

Description du poste

Overview

The ESRF (European Synchrotron) is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France. Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics. Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.

The PhD position is funded to study mineral-protein superlattices in silica sponges. The project is conducted on the ID01 beamline in collaboration with Technische Universitaet Dresden (TUD) to understand biomineralization mechanisms that lead to highly ordered silica structures in marine sponges, bridging physics, materials science and biology.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct X-ray diffraction (BCDI) and electron microscopy experiments to analyze the crystalline structure and strain distribution of protein–superlattices in sponge spicules.
• Develop and refine multi-BCDI measurement protocols for imaging hybrid protein–mineral structures.
• Collaborate with ESRF, TUD, and the Weizmann Institute to integrate findings into a geometric frustration model that explains lattice distortions and branching mechanisms.
• Analyze experimental data using advanced computational tools and present results in research meetings and scientific publications.

Qualifications

• 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. Minimum degree level may vary between universities.
• Background in bioengineering, physics, or crystallography is desirable.
• Manual skills and attention to detail are essential, including laboratory work and beamline operations.
• Ability to code (Python) is mandatory; data mining is critical to the project.
• Proficiency in English. A proof of upper-intermediate B2 level is required unless the applicant comes from a native-English-speaking country or an official English-taught degree is provided. If proof is not available, an English test will be requested.
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years before the application deadline (31/09/2025).
• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates and not already holding a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

What we offer

• Join an innovative international research institute with a diverse workforce from 38 countries.
• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges.
• Live in Grenoble, a vibrant city in the Alps, and Europe’s Green Capital 2022.
• A workplace designed to support quality of life.
• Competitive compensation and relocation support to Grenoble; for further information, please refer to the ESRF jobs page.

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

Job details

Title: PhD student at ESRF - studying mineral-protein superlattices in silica sponges

The ESRF is an X-ray light source for Europe. It is located in Grenoble, France, and supported and shared by 20 countries.