Nextstep: Applications Open for 10 PhD Positions (Round 2)
The Nextstep program has officially opened its second round of applications, offering 10 fully funded PhD fellowships scheduled to begin in Autumn 2026. These positions represent the first tranche of a total of 18 spots that will be made available between February and March 2026.
Program Details
Supported by the MSCA COFUND actions of Horizon Europe, the project aims to cultivate a new generation of researchers within a world-class international setting.
- Research Fields: Physics, materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering
- Technological Focus: Utilization of advanced neutron, X-ray, and electron microscopy techniques to address challenges in sustainability and industrial competitiveness
- Host Institutions: ESRF, ILL, Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), and Area Science Park.
In addition to working at one of these leading European research institutions, PhD candidates will benefit from enrollment in a doctoral program at a partner university and a secondment period of at least two months with academic or industrial partners.
Regarding the PhD program to be developed at Area Science Park, the focus will be on the advanced study of functional materials using high-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques, including in-situ and operando methodologies. The objective is to analyze the nanostructure of materials down to sub-Angstrom resolution, as well as to study their evolution under realistic operating conditions by applying various stimuli such as temperature, electric fields, and reactive environments (liquids or gases). The selected candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program in Nanotechnology at the University of Trieste and will conduct their research activity full-time at the Electron Microscopy Laboratory (LAME) of Area Science Park in Trieste.
How to Apply: Submit your application at https://nextstep-programme.eu/job-offers/.
Deadline: March 31, 2026.