PhD thesis student (f/m) at ESRF and University of Bath to study CO₂ capture by coupling X-ray Raman

About this position

Context & Job description

Thesis subject: Coupling X-ray Raman and optical Raman spectroscopies for improved understanding of atmospheric CO₂ Capture

You will join the team at Beamline ID20 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, to undertake a groundbreaking PhD project dedicated to advancing carbon capture technology. The core objective of your research will be to probe the electronic interactions between carbon dioxide (CO₂) and amine-based materials—key candidates for large-scale industrial carbon capture—using a unique combination of cutting-edge techniques. By integrating X-ray Raman scattering (XRS), optical Raman spectroscopy, and computational electronic structure calculations, you will uncover the fundamental binding mechanisms and degradation pathways of amines that remain invisible to conventional characterization methods.

This work aims to reveal the critical electronic changes governing CO₂ capture under realistic conditions, providing the essential scientific insights needed to design more efficient, durable, and optimized materials for fighting climate change.

This funded three-year PhD project, starting on 04 January 2027, is an exciting international collaboration between two leading European synchrotron sources and the University of Bath. The ESRF in France and the UK’s Diamond Light Source Ltd. (DLS) are joined by the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) at the University of Bath (UoB) in the UK. The project is jointly supervised by three expert researchers: Dr Christoph Sahle (ESRF), Dr Luke Higgins (DLS) and Dr Matthew E. Potter (UoB).

The project will be hosted at ESRF and complemented by secondments to the University of Bath and the soft X-ray imaging beamline, I08 SXM, at Diamond Light Source, giving you hands-on experience in material synthesis, carbon capture testing, and spatially-resolved X-ray imaging. Together, these experiences will provide a unique combination of experimental and computational expertise, equipping you for careers in academia, large-scale research facilities, and industry.

• Further information may be obtained from :
• Dr Christoph Sahle (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 2711, email: christoph.sahle@esrf.fr ),
• Dr Matthew E. Potter at mep61@bath.ac.uk .

Expected profile

• Manual skills and rigorous attention to detail are essential in this work environment.

• Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, and materials sciences are particularly welcome, as well as applicants from related disciplines.

• Proficiency in English such as a proof of upper-intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants must meet the University of Bath’s English language entry requirement ( https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/postgraduate-research-degrees-english-language-requirements-for-international-students/ ). 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 application deadline of 30.09.2026 .

• 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, and 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 certifies in writing 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.

• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme. Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be invited to apply for the relevant Bath PhD programme at a later date.

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at University of BATH, UK.

Contract of two years, renewables for one year.

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

What we offer:

• Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries

• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges

• Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022

• Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life

• Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

Company description

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.