DC3 – Microstructure, Defect, and Interface Engineering of Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Materials
Objective: Investigate microstructure, defects, and interfaces in magnesium-based thermoelectric materials using advanced characterisation techniques, and assess their impact on thermoelectric performance and module reliability.
Host Institution: Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials (SUSMAT)
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Main Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Christina Scheu (SUSMAT), Germany
Co-Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Kornelius Nielsch, IFW (Germany), Dr. Vicente Pacheco, IFAM (Germany)
Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)
PhD-awarding Institution: RWTH Aachen University
Project Overview
DC3 will investigate and optimise the microstructure, grain boundaries, point defects, secondary phases, and interfaces of magnesium-based thermoelectric materials for solid-state cooling applications.
The project aims to employ advanced structural and chemical characterisation techniques to link processing conditions to microstructural evolution and functional properties. The outcomes will directly support interface engineering strategies and module development activities within the consortium, enabling reliable integration of optimised materials into thermoelectric cooling devices.
This project will contribute to the development of robust, high-performance, and scalable magnesium-based solid-state cooling technologies.
Research Tasks and Training Objectives
The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:
- Perform advanced microstructural and defect characterisation of magnesium-based thermoelectric materials using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography
- Analyse structure–property relationships relevant to thermoelectric performance
- Investigate grain boundary behaviour, defect chemistry, and interface effects on transport properties
- Study material and interface evolution during processing and operational conditions
- Contribute to the development of stable and low-resistance material–interface concepts for module integration
- Collaborate closely with synthesis, modelling, and module-focused DCs within the network
- Participate in secondments, network-wide scientific training, and transferable skills activities
- Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and outreach initiatives
Secondments
To strengthen interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, DC3 will undertake the following secondments:
- IFAM (Germany) – 2 months
Focus: Processing optimisation and industrially relevant synthesis strategies - IFW Dresden (Germany) – 4 months
Focus: Advanced thermoelectric materials and module characterisation
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 RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Technical Competences
- Strong background in materials characterisation, electron microscopy, or functional materials
- Experience with advanced characterisation techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, HRSTEM, APT, EDX, EBSD, XRD) is highly desirable
- Understanding of defect chemistry, grain boundary phenomena, or interface engineering is an advantage
- Interest in thermoelectric materials and transport phenomena
Personal Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and within an international collaborative research 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.