MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship: Call for Postdoctoral Candidates 2026

Research Group

MATERALIA Group maintains a leadership position at the Spanish level and an important international visibility in the field of phase transformations in steels. Its main objective is to understand the relationship among the steel processing, its structure and its mechanical properties. In this regard, they investigate the transformation mechanisms, characterize the structure of the material from the micro to the nano-scale and develop simulation tools that allow describing the physics and chemistry that govern the processes of transformation of steel and its properties under real conditions of use. In addition, this Group maintains a close relationship with the metallurgical industry for the design and development of steels for highly demanding applications. This relationship with industry, especially successful in the development of nanostructured bainitic steels, has allowed them to validate many of their computational design tools and techniques.

Currently, they contribute to find the answer to the following scientific CHALLENGES with high motivation/excitement and social impact:

-   Transformation of the steel process to reduce CO2 emissions.

-   Development of alloys for an industry 4.0. based on additive manufacturing.

-   New advanced manufacturing and metal bonding processes.

-   Development of new steels for transport and renewable electricity generation.

-    Development of new materials resistant to high temperatures.

Supervisor

Prof. Ms. Francisca G. Caballero is Research Professor at the Spanish National Centre for Metals Research (CENIM-CSIC) since 2018. She obtained her Ph.D. in Physics from the Complutense University of Madrid in 1999 for studying solid-solid phase transformations in steels during reheating. From 1997 to 2000, she worked as a research associate at the University of Cambridge in UK on the design of carbide-free bainitic steels. She has held a visiting scientist position at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge-TN-USA since 2004. Additionally, between September 2013 and October 2014 she has been the Deputy Director of Science at CENIM, and Vice-Rector for Postgraduate Studies and Research at Menendez Pelayo International University (UIMP) between October 2014 and December 2018. From 2018 to 2021 she has worked for Elsevier Inc as Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Materials: Metals and Alloys published by in 2021, a collective work of 4 volumes, 8 sections and around 2500 pages.

Prof. Caballero’s current research objective is to understand the atomic mechanisms of phase transformations in steels, and their relationship to the material's use properties. In this regard, she characterizes the structure of the material from the micro to the nano-scale and validate simulation tools that allow describing the physics and chemistry that govern the processes of transformation of steel and its properties under real conditions of use.

Research Topics (indicative)

Candidates are encouraged to propose innovative MSCA projects aligned with or complementary to the group’s expertise, including:

-   Phase transformation mechanisms in steels and alloys

-   Microstructure–property relationships in advanced metallic systems

-   Sustainable metallurgy and low-CO₂ steel processing

-   Additive manufacturing and novel processing routes

-   High-performance alloys for energy and transport applications

Interdisciplinary proposals are particularly welcome.

Candidate Profile

Applicants must comply with MSCA PF eligibility criteria:

-   PhD degree at the call deadline

-   Maximum of 8 years of research experience (post-PhD)

-   Compliance with MSCA mobility rule

-   Strong publication record and scientific independence

-   Interest in collaborative and interdisciplinary research

What We Offer

-   Full support in proposal preparation and project design

-   Integration into a highly recognized research group

-   Access to advanced characterization and modelling capabilities

-   Strong academic–industry interaction environment

-   Career development and training within MSCA framework

MSCA fellowships provide:

-   Competitive salary (including mobility/family allowances)

-   Research, training, and networking budget

-   International mobility and career development opportunities

-   Application Procedure

Interested candidates should send:

CV (including publications)

Short research proposal (1–2 pages)

Motivation letter

Contact

Francisca Garcia Caballero

[fgc@cenim.csic.es]