Postdoctoral Fellow

ETH get hired; Solothurn; Vor Ort; Vertraulich; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Paul Scherrer Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow specialized in thermodynamic and geochemical modeling for nuclear reactor safety. This role involves developing models and investigating transport pathways, in collaboration with leading researchers across Europe. This fixed-term position offers personal and professional development opportunities within a dynamic research environment.

Leistungen

Systematic training on the job

Personal development possibilities

Modern employment conditions for work-life balance

Qualifikationen

• Expert in thermodynamic modelling with geochemical software (e.g., GEMS, PHREEQC).
• Experience in model development and Machine Learning tools is a plus.
• Fair knowledge in nuclear waste chemistry and repository geochemistry.

Aufgaben

• Develop and refine thermodynamic models for fission products release from coolant.
• Characterize cementitious pore fluid chemistry using thermodynamic modelling.
• Investigate cesium transport pathways and mechanisms from spent nuclear fuel.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed research papers.

Kenntnisse

Thermodynamic modelling

Geochemical software

Machine Learning tools

Programming (Python, C, ...)

Ausbildung

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Geochemistry/Nuclear engineering/Chemical engineering/Material Science or related discipline

Jobbeschreibung

100 %

Branche

0 /

Region

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of matter and materials, energy and environment and human health. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
For many years the Laboratory for Waste Management has conducted multi-disciplinary research on safety and design of geological repositories for radioactive wastes, and flows relevant to nuclear reactor technologies using a unique combination of experimental infrastructure and modelling capabilities. The appointee will work closely with senior colleagues specialised in geochemical modelling and reactive transport modelling and will collaborate with European partners in the EURATOM LEad fast reactor Safety design and TOols (LESTO) project and within the EURAD-II consortium (https://www.ejp-eurad.eu/), to conduct a world-class research program in the development of high-fidelity numerical simulations relevant to nuclear reactor technology as well as to nuclear waste repository systems.
We are looking for a

Postdoctoral Fellow

Your tasks

• Develop and refine thermodynamic models for fission products release from coolant (Lead-Bismuth alloy), relevant to the safety of Lead-cooled Fast Reactors, using the open-source thermodynamic modelling software (GEMS). Couple thermodynamics to transport codes
• Characterize cementitious pore fluid chemistry using thermodynamic modelling in alkali-activated and ternary-blended binders to assess compatibility with various nuclear waste streams
• Investigate cesium transport pathways and mechanisms from spent nuclear fuel, using GEMS coupling with 2D/3D pore-level lattice Boltzmann simulators. Apply machine learning based surrogate models to accelerate geochemical modelling
• Publishing the results in peer reviewed research papers, and presentations to showcase the work conducted

Your profile

We are looking for an expert in thermodynamic modelling with geochemical software (e.g. GEMS, PHREEQC or similar), and/or reactive transport modelling. Experience in model development and Machine Learning tools is a plus. The candidate is expected to have a fair knowledge nuclear waste chemistry and repository geochemistry. Programming experience (e.g., python, C, …) is beneficial. The successful candidate should have a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Geochemistry/ Nuclear engineering / Chemical engineering / Material Science or a related discipline.

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
This is a Fixed-Term position with a 2 years employment contract. Further extension is possible depending on performance and progress of the project.
For further information please contact Dr. N. Prasianakis, [phone].
Please submit your application online by 29June 2025 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a postdoctoral researcher (index no. 4403-02).
Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland