15 PhD positions in REFFRACTEUR MSCA Doctoral Network – Sustainable Refractory Research

About the role

The REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network offers 15 PhD positions aimed at training researchers to tackle scientific, technological and digital challenges in Europe’s refractory and high‑temperature industries. Each project combines fundamental research, advanced experimental and numerical methods, and strong industrial integration, covering the full life‑cycle of refractory materials.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on refractory materials, from raw material formulation to industrial use.
• Perform high‑temperature experimental characterisation and thermomechanical testing.
• Develop and integrate physics‑based models into digital twins and decision‑support tools.
• Apply AI, data integration and cloud‑based platforms for circular economy and life‑cycle assessment.
• Collaborate with industrial partners (steel, cement, glass) and spend at least 50% of the time in an industrial environment.
• Contribute to decarbonisation, recycling and sustainability assessments of high‑temperature processes.

Required profile

• Recent graduate (MSc or equivalent) in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, data science or related fields.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research linking materials, digital technologies and sustainability.
• Willingness to work in an international, inter‑sectoral environment with joint academic‑industrial supervision.

Required skills

• High‑temperature experimental characterisation
• Numerical modelling of thermomechanical behaviour
• Data integration and management
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Digital twins development
• Life‑cycle assessment methodologies
• Microstructural engineering
• Automation and digitalisation tools

What we offer

• Joint supervision by leading academic institutions and industry partners.
• Substantial research period in industry as part of the MSCA Industrial Doctorates scheme.
• Structured training beyond the thesis, including project management and communication skills.
• Exposure to real industrial challenges and a strong career accelerator.