The Nextstep programme has launched its second call for applications and is offering 10 fully funded PhD positions starting in autumn 2026. These are the first part of 18 posts that will be open to applications during Feb-March 2026, in particular 7 projects from ILL are soon to be announced.

We are delighted to welcome a new cohort of doctoral researchers to join the growing Nextstep community.

The projects span a wide range of disciplines, including physics, materials science, chemistry, biochemistry and engineering. Research topics address key challenges related to sustainable development and industrial competitiveness, making use of advanced neutron, X-ray and electron microscopy techniques.

Nextstep PhD projects are hosted by leading European research infrastructures and institutions, including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and Area Science Park (AREA). The programme offers an outstanding international research environment with access to world-class large-scale facilities.

Successful candidates will be employed by one of the host institutes and enrolled in a PhD programme at the university partner specified for each project. In addition, each doctoral researcher will complete a secondment of at least two months in the laboratory of an academic or industrial partner, further strengthening interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration.

The application deadline is 31 March 2026. Applicant should pay attention to the particular MSCA rules included in each job advert (requirement of proof of qualification at deadline for application, and mobility rule). All candidates must meet the doctoral enrolment requirements of the relevant university before the project start date.

For full details on available projects and application procedures, please visit the ESRF recruitment portal or the dedicated Nextstep job section. We look forward to receiving your applications!

Nextstep is a Horizon Europe-supported MSCA COFUND doctoral programme. Please note that selected candidates are expected to relocate to take up employment at their host institute, in line with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule. For further information, consult the FAQ section on the Nextstep website.

P. CANDÉ/ESRF

Text by Chiara Facoetti