Another milestone this month for the NEXSTEP programme: the first 9 ILL PhD positions have been opened accross a wide range of disciplines including physics, materials science, chemistry, biochemistry and engineering :
- In-situ cryogenic mechanical testing for ultra-low-temperature application
- In situ study of the synthesis of battery materials
- The microscopic mechanism of boil-off H₂ reduction by activated carbon
- Structural biology of an RNA helicase by NMR, SANS and segmental labelling
- SAS studies of amine-rich mesoporous silica for CO₂ capture
- Study of lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of antimicrobial peptides
- Study of picosecond diffusion during crystallisation processes
- Experimental research and numerical study of magnetic hopfions
- Development of software for SAXS/SANS/PCS analysis of drug delivery systems
Similar to InnovaXN, NEXSTEP is a European programme aimed at training 36 young researchers* who are keen to exploit the unique, cross-disciplinary capabilities of analytical research infrastructures to meet the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the following areas: ‘Health’, ‘Digital, Industry and Space’, ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’ and ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’.
Nextstep is not just about research; it’s about developing the skills PhD candidates need to become a leader in their field. The comprehensive training programme includes workshops on innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific communication, and data management, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary research across Europe’s leading research infrastructures.
PhD projects will typically start around 1 October 2025. Candidates should have completed their qualification relevant for registration in time for this start date. Masters students currently in their final year of study are ideal candidates !
* The partner institutes are : ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).