Prospective PhD fellowship in advanced characterisation of thin films for sustainable energy technologies

Doctorat / PhD Profil chercheur : First Stage Researcher (R1) Type de contrat : Temporary Date limite de candidature : 20 Nov 2026 - 14:00 (Europe/Madrid) Date de début : 1 Dec 2026 Programme UE : Not funded by a EU programme Domaine : Chemistry » Applied chemistryPhysics » Applied physics

We are seeking highly motivated students holding a Master Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science or currently be in a position to fulfill this condition upon contract signing, expected in October 2027 (following the resolution of the call), with an excellent academic record, to apply for a FPU PhD fellowship focused on the advanced characterisation of functional thin films and interfaces. Within this exciting project, the PhD student will investigate oxide thin films for low-temperature solid oxide cell (SOC) applications, including solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers. The research will combine materials design and optimization with advanced characterization techniques to deepen our understanding of the underlying electrochemical processes. The PhD student will play a key role in developing, characterizing, and optimizing electrolyte and electrode materials, as well as integrating ultrathin (10–100 nm) electrolyte and electrode layers into engineered devices to enhance their performance. A central component of the thesis will be the development and implementation of advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques to investigate the properties and behaviour of functional thin films and interfaces under operating conditions. The PhD project will be carried out at the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, jointly run by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain’s largest public research organisation, and the University of Zaragoza (Unizar). This environment offers an outstanding opportunity to develop advanced research skills within a dynamic and internationally connected scientific community, with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting-edge characterisation techniques, and leading international collaborations. INMA is located in Zaragoza (population 800,000) a lively University city with flight and train connections to all major destinations.

We are seeking highly motivated students holding a Master Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science or currently be in a position to fulfill this condition upon contract signing, expected in October 2027 (following the resolution of the call), with an excellent academic record, to apply for a FPU PhD fellowship focused on the advanced characterisation of functional thin films and interfaces.

Within this exciting project, the PhD student will investigate oxide thin films for low-temperature solid oxide cell (SOC) applications, including solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers. The research will combine materials design and optimization with advanced characterization techniques to deepen our understanding of the underlying electrochemical processes. The PhD student will play a key role in developing, characterizing, and optimizing electrolyte and electrode materials, as well as integrating ultrathin (10–100 nm) electrolyte and electrode layers into engineered devices to enhance their performance. A central component of the thesis will be the development and implementation of advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques to investigate the properties and behaviour of functional thin films and interfaces under operating conditions.

The PhD project will be carried out at the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, jointly run by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain’s largest public research organisation, and the University of Zaragoza (Unizar). This environment offers an outstanding opportunity to develop advanced research skills within a dynamic and internationally connected scientific community, with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting-edge characterisation techniques, and leading international collaborations. INMA is located in Zaragoza (population 800,000) a lively University city with flight and train connections to all major destinations.

Where to apply E-mail [email] Website https://www.aei.gob.es/ayudas-fpu-2026