Applications are now open for the REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network, a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Industrial Doctorates program funded by the European Union. This opportunity offers 15 fully funded PhD positions in the field of refractory materials research, focusing on sustainability, digital traceability, and the circular economy. Hosted across leading institutions in Belgium, Austria, Norway, France, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands, the program begins in October or November 2026. International students passionate about green technologies and high-temperature industries are encouraged to apply online before the deadline.
About the REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network
- Host Countries: Belgium, Austria, Norway, France, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands
- Duration: 36 months (full-time)
- Start Dates: 1 October or 1 November 2026
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD contract, competitive salary, international secondments, joint university-industry supervision, and extensive training
- Deadline: Monday, 8 June 2026
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Financial Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary: €4,010 (living allowance) + €710 (mobility allowance) + €660 (family allowance, if eligible)
- 36-month fully funded PhD contract with social benefits
- Joint supervision from both university and industry experts
- International secondments and research visits across Europe
- Comprehensive training in digital tools, sustainability, and refractory materials
- Personal career development plan, workshops, and conferences
- Access to a strong international research and industry network
- Excellent career prospects in green and sustainable technologies
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Program Details
The REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network offers 15 PhD positions covering a wide range of topics in refractory materials, including digital product passports, life cycle assessment, AI-driven quality control, microstructural engineering, virtual laboratories, and decision support systems for sustainable steelmaking. Each position is jointly supervised by academic and industry partners, ensuring practical and research excellence. Candidates will benefit from international mobility, hands-on training, and involvement in cutting-edge research projects that contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy in high-temperature industries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to all nationalities (subject to MSCA mobility rules)
- Age: Early-stage researchers only (no more than 4 years of full-time research experience after obtaining a Master’s degree at the time of recruitment)
- Background: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Materials Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Data Science, or related disciplines
- Requirements:
- Must not have resided or carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years (short holidays excluded)
- Strong written and spoken English skills
- All application documents must be submitted in English
- Specific technical skills may be required depending on the chosen PhD topic (see individual position descriptions)
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How to Apply for the REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network?
To apply, visit the official REFFRACTEUR Doctoral Network recruitment page and complete the online application form. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and submit all required documents in English. For full details and to apply online, please refer to the official website.
Yasir is currently a master’s student at Bilkent University on a fully funded scholarship. He has a strong passion for technology, innovation, and creating meaningful impact through digital platforms. Yasir’s goal is to make education more accessible by helping students discover global opportunities and take confident steps toward their future.