Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 3 years

Application Deadline

25 Sep 2024

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Astrophysics, Experimental Physics, Physics, Theoretical Physics

Description

Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungs­zentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helm­holtz Asso­ciation, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possi­bilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,250 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centres and help us to shape change!

Mixed oxide (U,Pu)O2 nuclear fuels (MOX) have been deployed widely in nuclear power reactor fleets around the world, forming a subsequent dominant component of spent nuclear fuel disposal inventories. Compared to standard UO2 light water reactor (LWR) fuel, MOX fuels are chemically more intricate, and they undergo significant heterogenization of the fuel structure with increasing burn up (fuel fission) in the reactor. Such processes create pertinent challenges for MOX spent fuel disposal, particularly regarding the fuel matrix’s chemical and structural stability. As part of the project “Transient”, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), a PhD position is open for a motivated and qualified individual with a background in materials chemistry, physics, or radiochemistry to investigate the structural and microstructural stability of irradiated MOX materials and model systems. The PhD position is jointly based between Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Nuclear Waste Management, Jülich, Germany, and the Belgium Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Structurally and Microstructurally Investigating Mixed Oxide (MOX) Spent Nuclear Fuel Materials under Conditions Relevant for Geological Disposal

Your Job:

• Synthesis and characterization of ceramic uranium oxide-based nuclear fuel materials and model systems comparable to commercial grades
• Application of microstructural and chemical analysis techniques from the macro- to nano-scale to assess corrosion mechanisms in fresh and irradiated light water reactor (LWR) and MOX fuels
• Examining solid-state chemical and physical processes that may affect stability (radionuclide release or retention) in MOX spent nuclear fuel materials and model systems
• Application of state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facility techniques through requests for beamtime
• Work within the nuclear laboratories of Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany, and the Belgium Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
• Collaboration and information exchange with Transient project partners and members
• Analyses and processing of diffraction and microstructural measurement data
• Dissemination of results at scientific conferences and through peer-reviewed publications

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in materials sciences, chemistry, physics, radiochemistry, or a related discipline
• Experience or interest in nuclear energy, waste management, nuclear fuel or spent nuclear fuel materials
• Practical experience in working in materials, radiochemical, solid-state physical, or chemical laboratories
• Experience in microstructural analysis techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, is considered an advantage
• Knowledge of spent nuclear fuel systems, actinide, and radiochemistry is desirable
• The ability to work in an international multidisciplinary team, and to work for extended periods of time in the partner institute abroad
• Excellent English communication and writing skills

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:

• Working within the state-of-the-art nuclear laboratories of Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Nuclear Waste Management, and the Belgien Nuclear Research Centre
• Mentoring and training by global experts in nuclear fuel materials chemistry and condensed matter physics
• The possibility to develop your own independent scientific program within the topic
• Working at the interface of applied and fundamental science towards beneficiating spent nuclear fuel disposal and the nuclear fuel cycle
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Confirmed funded opportunities to attend international conferences and training events
• Doctoral degree conferred by RWTH Aachen University (when requirements are met)
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits.

The position is limited until May 31, 2027, with the possibility of a longer-term perspective. Pay is in line with 60% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.

We particularly welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds (e.g. regardless of age, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation / identity, as well as social, ethnic, and religious background). We strive to offer a diverse and inclusive working environment in which people enjoy equal opportunities and are able to fulfill their potential.

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

Questions about the Offer?
Please feel free to contact us via our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.

www.fz-juelich.de