ESRF - Ph.D. thesis student on operando TEM analysis of ionotronic materials

At a glance

Job title: Ph.D. thesis student on operando TEM analysis of ionotronic materials
Ref.: FZJ05
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Working time: Full-time job
Salary range: Min. 43 k euros
Expected deadline of applications: 30/09/2026
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet: 14/08/2026
Contract duration: 36 months

Context & Job description

Thesis subject: Growth and Characterization of Two-Dimensional Free-standing Functional Oxides

This PhD project focuses on the development of 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 platform, developed at PGI-7, enables the fabrication of free-standing single-crystalline membranes that serve as substrates for direct growth and operando TEM investigation of complex oxide materials.

The project will investigate in situ epitaxial growth, oxygen-vacancy ordering, and topotactic phase transitions, e.g. in SrFe(Co)Ox thin films and nanostructures. Using state-of-the-art in situ TEM, electron holography, and electrical and optical biasing, the candidate will study the interplay between crystal growth, atomic structure, ionic transport, and local magnetic properties in real time. The developed platform will enable entirely new experimental approaches for studying functional materials at the atomic scale, while also offering opportunities to explore routes towards commercialization.

The project will be hosted at the Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of the world’s leading electron microscopy facilities. The ER-C houses an exceptional collection of state-of-the-art electron microscopes and correlative surface science instruments, enabling high-resolution studies of materials and devices with outstanding spatial and energy resolution. Phase contrast techniques available at ER-C are particularly well-suited for studying the local magnetic properties of materials.

This project is a collaboration between ER-C and PGI-7, a leading institute in the synthesis of atomically defined oxide thin films, ionic-electronic property characterization, and materials integration for information technology, incl. neuromorphic computing and quantum materials.

Further information can be obtained from: Dr. Amir H. Tavabi, email: a.tavabi@fz-juelich.de, Dr. Felix Gunkel, email: f.gunkel@fz-juelich.de, Prof. Regina Dittmann, Email: r.dittmann@fz-juelich.de, Prof. Rafal E. Dunin-Borkowski, email: r.dunin-borkowski@fz-juelich.de.

Expected profile

Degree allowing enrolment for a Ph.D. (such as M.Sc., Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in physics, chemistry or a closely-related natural science such as materials science, nanotechnology, etc. Degrees must have been granted by European universities or already recognised as equivalent.

• The ideal candidate has a background in one or more of the following areas: X-ray microscopy, electron microscopy, and experimental investigation of exfoliated 2D materials. Additionally, the candidate should have a strong background in condensed matter physics and an interest in emergent quantum mechanical properties.

• Proficiency in English (proof of upper-intermediate level) must be included with 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 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 date of recruitment.

• 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

For this 3-year PhD project, the successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at RWTH Aachen and based full time Forschungszentrum Jülich, other than a secondment of at least two months at an international partner institution. A varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the Ph.D. project.

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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).