❄️ Exciting PhD Opportunity at the Interface of Mechanics, Imaging, and Snow Science! ❄️
We are currently inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position entitled:
📘 “X-Ploring Snow: 4D exploration of the ductile-to-brittle transition in snow”
within the MSCA COFUND – PhD@Tec21 Programme at Université Grenoble Alpes, France 🇫🇷.
🔍 Why is this PhD special?
This project goes far beyond a conventional PhD. It offers a unique opportunity to:
- Perform original mechanical experiments on snow,
- Combine in-situ loading with 4D X-ray micro-tomography (3D + time),
- Use advanced Digital Image / Volume Correlation (DIC/DVC) and AI-assisted imaging,
- Investigate the ductile-to-brittle transition and highly localized deformation mechanisms at the grain scale.
🌍 World-class research environment
The PhD will be conducted jointly at two leading laboratories in Grenoble:
- Institute of Geosciences of the Environment (IGE) – internationally recognized for snow and ice mechanics,
- 3SR Laboratory – a reference center for X-ray tomography, in-situ testing, and localized failure mechanisms.
The project benefits from a strong interdisciplinary supervisory team and close collaboration with national and international partners, with the possibility of a research secondment at SLF-WSL (Switzerland).
💰 What’s in it for you? (MSCA standards)
- ⏳ 36-month full-time PhD contract
- 💶 Net salary ~ €2,050–2,150/month
- 🌐 International MSCA network, high-level training & workshops
- 🏔️ 45 days of paid leave per year
- 🧑🔬 Excellent research facilities and strong career development support
- 🌄 Living and working in Grenoble, one of Europe’s top research hubs surrounded by the Alps
🎯 Ideal candidates have a background in:
- Mechanics of materials / material science / applied physics
- Experimental mechanics and advanced material characterization
- X-ray tomography, imaging, DIC/DVC, or AI-based analysis (strong advantage)
- Scientific programming (Python, Matlab, or C++)
- Strong motivation, curiosity, and teamwork skills
📩 If you are looking for a challenging, cutting-edge PhD with real scientific impact, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to grow as a researcher in an international and highly collaborative environment.
Application details are also available here: https://www.tecxxi.fr/phd-tec21/#about
Deadline for applications is 28 February 2026. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification by the application deadline and must NOT have resided in France for more than 12 months during the last 3 years.
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