High-Resolution Time-Resolved Microstructural Evolution Under Ion Irradiation using transmission electron microscopy

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful characterization technique that can be used to provide a comprehensive understanding of microstructure-property relationships in materials systems in the presence of different stimuli close to operational conditions. Such knowledge is crucial for designing advanced materials with optimized physical and mechanical properties, in particular for energy-related (e.g., solar cell), aerospace and nuclear applications, where materials are exposed to ion irradiation.

Although the effects of ion irradiation have been widely studied by comparing microstructures before and after exposure and as a function of irradiation dose and temperature over timescales of up to years, real-time observations of material evolution during ion interactions remain largely unexplored. Such knowledge is crucial to understand transient processes and defect dynamics, in order to design next-generation materials and devices.

This PhD project will leverage Dynamic TEM (DTEM) to directly visualize irreversible microstructural changes in materials in real time, capturing transformations on timescales ranging from nanoseconds to microseconds with near-atomic spatial resolution. The project will pioneer the direct observation of high-energy ion-induced atomic displacement cascades and the associated ultrafast atomic rearrangements. It will allow progress in the prediction and, eventually, mitigation of their detrimental effect in materials. In addition, it will provide a better understanding of the fundamentals of fast transitions that are able to enhance the glass transition, recrystallization and rejuvenation in amorphous metals. The experiments will reproduce real-world working conditions as closely as possible by integrating temperature, atmosphere, humidity and laser (white light or infrared) illumination. The ion irradiation process will be controlled by tuning parameters such as ion isotope, energy, flux and flow. The key focus areas include:

• Displacement cascade evolution.
• Tracking microstructural evolution and defect dynamics.
• Investigating phase transitions under irradiation.

Simulations of displacement-cascade formation and microstructural evolution by molecular dynamic, kinetic Monte Carlo, and kinetic rate theory calculations will complement the experimental findings, in order to provide an improved understanding of the observed phenomena. Advanced image processing techniques will also be applied to analyse low-dose recorded images. Beyond ion irradiation, the project will explore how laser illumination and mechanical forces can influence microstructural stability.

The Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich will serve as the host institute in collaboration with ETH Zurich. ER-C is home to a world-class collection of state-of-the-art electron microscopes, enabling high-resolution studies of materials and devices with exceptional spatial, energy, and time resolution.

This project is carried out in collaboration with the Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology (LMPT), part of the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich, with experts in radiation damage processes and fast phase transitions in materials. Extended research stays at ETH Zurich will provide access to complementary expertise and metallic sample preparation, as well as additional advanced microscopy instrumentation at the microscopy center (ScopeM) of ETH Zurich.

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Amir H. Tavabi, email: a.tavabi@fz-juelich.de and Dr. Robin E. Schäublin, email: robin.schaeublin@mat.ethz.ch

Expected profile

• The ideal candidate has a background in one or more of the following areas: hands-on experience with TEM and TEM specimen sample fabrication, image processing and experience with Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages for data processing, knowledge of metal defects, phase transitions, and radiation effects in materials, experience with ion-irradiation processes.
• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities.
• The candidate must have obtained and provide proof of a diploma at the time of application. The European Commission/MSCA may consider a student eligible provided that the university issues an official certificate confirming that the degree has been completed. The diploma will have to be provided at a later stage and is a mandatory requirement for enrolment in a doctoral school.
• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the date of application deadline 21/08/2026).
• All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

For this PhD project, the successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at RWTH Aachen and based full time Forschungszentrum Jülich, other than a secondment of at least three months at ETH Zurich. A varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the Ph.D. project.

In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

Company description

More details about the Nextstep Doctoral Programme on www.nextstep-programme.eu

NEXTSTEP will train 36 enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).

Requirements

• Research Field: Technology
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent