DC1 – Development of Mg-Based Thermoelectric Materials for Solid-State Cooling
Objective: Develop and optimise scalable magnesium-based thermoelectric materials using mechanical alloying and complementary synthesis routes, and establish low-temperature metallisation and bonding strategies enabling low-resistance, stable interfaces for module development.
Host Institution: University of Cyprus (UCY)
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Main Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Theodora Kyratsi (UCY), Cyprus
Co-Supervisors: Dr. Vicente Pacheco, IFAM (Germany), Dr. Elsa Branco Lopes, IST (Portugal)
Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)
PhD-awarding Institution: University of Cyprus (UCY)
Project Overview
DC1 will focus on the development and optimisation of magnesium-based thermoelectric materials for solid-state cooling applications.
The project will address scalable synthesis routes, compositional engineering, and microstructural optimisation to enhance thermoelectric performance near room temperature. The investigation will emphasize on defect engineering, carrier concentration control, and processing strategies compatible with industrial upscaling.
The project will combine experimental materials synthesis, advanced structural and thermoelectric characterisation, and performance evaluation to establish processing-structure-property relationships and ensure compatibility with module integration activities within the consortium.
Research Tasks and Training Objectives
The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:
Develop scalable synthesis and densification routes for Mg-based thermoelectric materials
Optimise composition and defect chemistry to control carrier concentration and transport properties
Characterise structural, microstructural, and thermoelectric properties
Establish correlations between processing parameters, microstructure, and thermoelectric performance
Contribute to interface compatibility and integration strategies within the network
Collaborate within the European MGICIAN network and disseminate research results through publications and conferences
Participate in intersectoral secondments and structured doctoral training activities
Secondments
To strengthen interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, DC1 will undertake the following secondments:
- IFAM (Germany) – 2 months
Focus: Scale-up processing and industrial manufacturing compatibility - IST (Portugal) – 2 months
Focus: Advanced thermoelectric characterisation - DLR (Germany) – 2 months
Focus: Module fabrication and performance evaluation
Requirements
Education
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD Programme at the University of Cyprus
Technical Competences
Strong background in functional materials, solid-state physics, thermoelectric materials, or energy materials
Experience in experimental materials synthesis and characterization
Knowledge of thermoelectric transport phenomena is an advantage
Experience with microstructural analysis techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, EDX) is beneficial
Personal Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Ability to work independently and within an international collaborative network
Excellent written and spoken English
Join MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate
Apply now and become part of MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate. Shape the future of sustainable solid-state cooling with us.