ESRF - PhD Element-Specific Study of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

At a glance

Job title: PhD Element-Specific Study of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Ref.: NS26-ESRF06
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Working time: Full-time job
Salary range: 33.4K euros
Expected deadline of applications: 31/03/2026
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet: 22/01/2026
Contract duration: 36 months

Context & Job description

Thesis subject: Element-Specific Magnetic Characterization of Bimetallic Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications Using X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD)

You will join the team in charge of operating and upgrading the ESRF beamline, which offers highly brilliant, circularly polarized X-ray beam across a wide energy range, combined with cryogenic and high magnetic field sample environment. These capabilities are essential element-selective and orbital-specific determination of local magnetization, interfacial exchange effects, and local electronic structure in complex bimetallic magnetic nanoparticles with remarkable sensitivity. As a PhD student, you will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge instrumentation and advanced data analysis methodologies, developing rare and highly sought-after expertise in modern X-ray spectroscopy and magnetism. Your research will sit at the interface of nanomagnetism and biomedicine, addressing fundamental questions on how element-resolved interfacial electronic structures control magnetic behavior in complex nanomaterials. These insights are directly relevant to emerging applications in targeted therapy, bioimaging, and diagnostics, offering the opportunity to contribute to both fundamental science and translational research.

Further information may be obtained from: Andrei ROGALEV (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 21 32, email: rogalev@esrf.fr.

Expected profile

Strong motivation to work on advanced characterization of nanoscale magnetic systems.
A prior experience with nanoparticles, magnetic materials and/or materials characterization using X-ray absorption spectroscopy is highly desirable but not manadatory.
Experience in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g. Python, Matlab).
Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and as a member of an international team.
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.
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 (31/03/2026).
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 Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (School of Physics) as a condition of your recruitment.

Contract of two years, renewable for one year.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

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.

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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).