PhD Student on ID10 beamline in the Complex systems and Biomedical sciences group

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, 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.

Thesis Subject:  Dynamics and structure of amorphous phase change materials combining Fast differential scanning calorimetry and X-rays 

General Framework: Phase change materials (PCMs) are chalcogenide glasses that are attracting considerable interest thanks to their promising applications as next generation electronic memories and communication devices. A major drawback for their extensive use is given by ongoing microscopic relaxation processes, proper of all glasses, which may alter the performances of the material during preparation and operation. Understanding the structural and dynamic changes induced by the ongoing relaxation processes during thermo-mechanical treatments in amorphous solids is therefore crucial for the design of novel systems with extended service life. 

Description of the Thesis work: This project aims at combining the recently developed fast differential scanning calorimetry (FDSC) with X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) and high energy X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to build up precise recipes to predict and control the stability of the different PCM glasses subjected to hydrostatic compression and cryogenic thermal cycling. This study will serve as reference to improve the material properties and to investigate the microscopic mechanism by which residual stresses induced by thermal and mechanical deformations influence the atomic motion, structure and thermodynamic state of PCMs. 

The project will be in collaboration between ESRF (Marco Cammarata and Marco di Michiel) and the Institut Néel of the CNRS in Grenoble (Beatrice Ruta). Secondments with collaborators in different European countries will be also envisaged, providing extensive mobility opportunities. 

This Thesis work is part of the project GATES, Grenoble ATtractiveness and ExcellenceS, funded by the French National Agency (ANR) and ESRF. The student will be part both of the MRS group of the Institut Néel and of the ID10 team at ESRF. 

Further information may be obtained from Marco Cammarata (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 23 91, email: [email protected]) or Beatrice Ruta ([email protected]). 

- Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science or closely related science

- Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages

- Self-motivated and self-driven

- A strong general interest in Physics or Material Science

- A background in X-ray and/or Calorimetry techniques are desirable

- Proficiency in English (working language at the ESRF) 

You shall be enrolled in Grenoble University / Doctoral School 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.