PhD student (M/F) - Development of Novel Approaches for Nanomaterial Analysis Using Low-Electron-Dose In Situ Electron Microscopy

Job Description

Thesis Subject

In the context of the installation at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Materials of Strasbourg (IPCMS) of a state-of-the-art electron microscope featuring a unique configuration and unprecedented capabilities, the development of new in situ methodologies is becoming a major challenge for investigating the structural evolution and the physical and chemical properties of hybrid structures, down to the scale of molecular systems.
This project aims to push the current limits of electron microscopy by developing innovative approaches based on the use of very low electron doses to perform in situ studies with high spatial resolution (down to the atomic scale) and high temporal resolution (approaching the microsecond timescale). These developments are made possible by the presence of an electrostatic shutter on the instrument, enabling precise control of the electron dose, as well as by the integration of new sample excitation protocols, particularly optical excitation, in both liquid and gaseous environments. These capabilities provide a unique opportunity to investigate dynamic phenomena that have so far been difficult to access.
Carried out as part of a PhD thesis, this project aims to open up new methodological perspectives for in situ and operando electron microscopy. In the medium term, it could pave the way for the development of novel imaging protocols for beam-sensitive materials, complex hybrid systems, and molecular architectures.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Materials of Strasbourg (IPCMS), a joint research unit of the CNRS and the University of Strasbourg, and more specifically the “Nanomaterials and Electron Microscopy” team within the “Surfaces and Interfaces” department, as well as its associated experimental platform. The team's expertise lies in the study of materials and physicochemical systems using in situ approaches, both in gaseous and liquid environments, as well as in three-dimensional reconstruction using electron tomography. The experimental platform is equipped with in situ sample holders for electron microscopy, enabling experiments to be performed under gaseous and liquid environments, and houses three electron microscopes: a JEOL 2100, a JEOL 2100F, and a JEOL Grand ARM2. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with members of the team and the experimental platform and will interact regularly with collaborators from JEOL.
The IPCMS laboratory is located on the Cronenbourg campus in Strasbourg, approximately 20 minutes from Strasbourg city centre by public transport (G bus line), and has a university restaurant available to research laboratory staff. The duration of the PhD project is 36 months.

Constraints and risks

Any.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions