Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 3 years

Application Deadline

28 Feb 2026

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science

Description

As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we address the major societal challenges of our time and conduct interdisciplinary research into the digitalized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and sustainable economic activity. Work together with nearly 7,600 colleagues at one of Europe’s largest research centers and help shape change with us!

The Nuclear Waste Management Department (IFN‑2) at the Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management (IFN) focuses on safety-relevant aspects of nuclear waste disposal. Our research combines fundamental and applied approaches to study the behavior of waste forms and the performance of geotechnical barriers in deep geological repositories for high‑level radioactive waste. We investigate the release, migration, and retention of radionuclides on different scales – from atomic processes to system level. The BMUKN-funded project IONKA will contribute to this research investigating glass corrosion under repository-relevant conditions.

Join our team on April 1, 2026, as part of a

PhD Position – Investigation of the influence of ionizing radiation on corrosion processes at the steel-glass interface

Your Job:

• Conducting in-situ and in-operando Raman experiments on glass corrosion
• Developing and constructing fluid cells with integrated alpha radiation sources
• Performing post-mortem analyses (electron microscopy, e.g. EPMA, SEM, and X-ray methods, e.g. µCT, XRD)
• Preparing and evaluating solution analyses using ICP MS/OES
• Publishing and presenting research results at national and international conferences

Your Profile:

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or Geosciences
• Experience in Raman spectroscopy, glass corrosion, and/or radiochemistry
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• High motivation for independent scientific work and commitment to completing a PhD

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• TEAM & ENVIRONMENT: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• NETWORKING & EXCHANGE: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
• SUPERVISION & SUPPORT: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on‑site) appointments
• VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation
• KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually, e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment ("Christmas bonus") amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. Additional compensation beyond the base salary may be possible. All information about the TVöD Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
• FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 3 years
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/​identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality
 

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our Online-Recruitment-System!

APPLY NOW

Contact form:

If your questions have not yet been answered via our FAQs, please send us a message via our contact form.

Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.

www.fz-juelich.de