First Group of PhD positions in NEXTSTEP Programme Now Open

NEXTSTEP 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 : FZJ (Germany), ESRF and ILL (France), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).

The first FZJ PhD positions have now been published. More will follow soon.

PhD student at FZJ - magnetic and structural properties of novel two-dimensional quantum materials

PhD student at FZJ - studying proximity effects in two-dimensional magnetic heterostructures

PhD student at FZJ – high-res. time-resolved microstructural evolution under ion irradiation via TEM

Further information on how to apply to the NEXTSTEP Programm

NEXTSTEP has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement no. 101177133.