15 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Thermoelectric Materials and Solid-State Cooling (MSCA Doctoral Network, Horizon Europe)

We are recruiting 15 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) for the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). The project focuses on sustainable magnesium-based thermoelectric materials for next-generation solid-state cooling applications, combining materials science, device engineering, and system integration.

Applicants may apply for one primary PhD project from the list of 15 individual positions (DC1–DC15). In addition, they may indicate up to two optional choices , provided these are relevant to their academic background, skills, and research interests.

Full project details:

DC1: Development of Mg-Based Thermoelectric Materials for Solid-State Cooling

Host: University of Cyprus (UCY), Nicosia, Cyprus

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Theodora Kyratsi

Focus: thermoelectric materials synthesis and characterisation

Background: physics, materials science, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC2: Synthesis and Transport Studies of Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Materials

Host: Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Lisbon, Portugal

Supervisor: Dr. Elsa Branco Lopes

Focus: materials synthesis and transport properties

Background: physics, materials science, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC3: Microstructure, Defect, and Interface Engineering of Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Materials

Host: Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials (SUSMAT), Düsseldorf, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Christina Scheu

Focus: structural characterisation (XRD, SEM, TEM, APT)

Background: physics, materials science, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC4: Atomistic Modelling and Design of Thermoelectric Materials and Interfaces

Host: King’s College London (KCL), London, United Kingdom

Supervisor: Dr. Ivana Savic

Focus: computational materials modelling

Background: physics, computational materials science, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC5: Development of Interface Materials for Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Devices

Host: University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland

Supervisor: Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb

Focus: interface materials and bonding

Background: materials science, engineering, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC6: Diffusion Layers, Soldering Concepts, and Thermal Management Components for TE Devices

Host: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain

Supervisor: Dr. Marisol Martin‑Gonzalez

Focus: diffusion barriers and heat management

Background: materials science, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC7: High-Performance Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Modules for Solid-State Cooling

Host: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Johannes de Boor

Focus: module fabrication and integration

Background: materials science, engineering, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC8: Mechanically Robust Design of Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Modules

Host: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Johannes de Boor

Focus: mechanical design, reliability and testing

Background: mechanical engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC9: Fabrication of High-Performance Thermoelectric Modules for Cooling Applications

Host: IFW Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Kornelius Nielsch

Focus: module fabrication and testing

Background: materials science, engineering, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC10: Scalable Fabrication and Advanced Coating of Thermoelectric Coolers

Host: IFW Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Kornelius Nielsch

Focus: coating technologies and durability

Background: materials science, chemistry, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC11: Hybrid Refrigeration System with Precise Temperature Control Using Thermoelectric Cooling

Host: Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. David Astrain

Focus: thermoelectric-assisted refrigeration systems

Background: mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC12: Thermoelectric Sub-Cooling Systems for High-Efficiency Refrigeration

Host: Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. David Astrain

Focus: refrigeration efficiency optimisation

Background: mechanical engineering, energy systems, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC13: Thermal Optimisation of Photonic Devices Using Thermoelectric Cooling

Host: III-V Lab, Palaiseau, France

Supervisor: Dr. Alexandre Shen

Focus: thermal management for photonics

Background: physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

DC14: Thermoelectric Cooling for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)

Host: University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland

Supervisor: Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb

Focus: Cooling solutions for PICs

Background: Physics, Electrical Engineering or closely related

Apply:

DC15: Smart Design of Thermoelectric Coolers for On-Chip Applications

Host: University of Southampton (SOTON), Southampton, United Kingdom

Supervisor: Dr. Ruomeng Huang

Focus: on-chip cooling and system optimisation

Background: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline

Apply:

Requirements

Master’s degree in materials science, physics, engineering, or a related field
Strong interest in research and innovation
Good English communication skills

Eligibility conditions

Applicants must not already hold a PhD
Comply with the MSCA mobility rule (must not have lived or worked in the recruiting country for more than 12 months within the past 36 months).

What we offer

Excellent research environment in leading European research institutions
Salary according to the MSCA Doctoral Network regulations, including: i) living allowance: €4,010 / month (before country correction coefficient), ii) mobility allowance: €710 / month, and iii) family allowance: €660 / month (if applicable). The final gross and net salary will depend on the country's correction coefficient, national taxation, and social security contributions
International mobility and secondments
Industry and academic training
Structured doctoral programme

EU funding acknowledgment

This project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA Doctoral Network).

Equal opportunity statement

We are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Start date

How to apply

Apply online via:

Please include

CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts

Contact

For questions regarding the administrative aspects of the recruitment process, please contact: Dr. Jamil Ur Rahman ( ).

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Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden e. V.