Postdoctoral Fellow in fuel modelling and behaviour

Jobup; Villigen; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD-level position in Reactor Physics and Thermal-Hydraulics Laboratory. You will research dry storage safety criteria for nuclear fuels, improve fuel performance codes, and develop coupled workflows for simulations, contributing to ATF concepts and publications.

The role combines advanced modelling, benchmarking against experiments, supervision of students, and collaboration across international projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear engineering or related discipline.
• Strong background in nuclear fuel behaviour and fuel performance modelling.
• Experience with fuel performance codes and validation/benchmarking.
• Proficient in programming and scientific computing.

Responsibilities

• Improve fuel performance codes and models for reactor operation and dry storage.
• Develop coupled workflows linking fuel simulations to other codes.
• Model advanced ATF concepts and validate new models.
• Contribute to international activities and supervise students.
• Prepare publications and technical reports on results.

Skills

Nuclear fuel behaviour

Fuel performance modelling

Programming & scripting

Numerical methods

English proficiency

German helpful

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering or related field

Tools

FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN

TRANSURANUS

FALCON

BISON

OFFBEAT

Job description

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 future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. 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 the Reactor Physics and Thermal-Hydraulics Laboratory we are looking for a

Your tasks

Your research will focus on the main issues and current safety criteria for post-operation dry storage of nuclear fuels in the Swiss context, in particular:

• Improvement of fuel performance codes and models relevant for both reactor operation and dry storage conditions
• Development of coupled workflows linking fuel performance simulations to other codes
• Advanced modelling and simulation of ATF concepts, in particular Cr-coated cladding and/or other advanced fuel concepts, including implementation and validation of new models
• Contribution to international activities and supervision of students
• Preparation of scientific publications and technical reports on research results

Your profile

• PhD degree in nuclear engineering (or related discipline)
• Strong background and interest in nuclear fuel behaviour, fuel performance modelling, and materials under irradiation
• Solid experience with fuel performance codes (e.g., FRAPCON/FRAPTRAN, TRANSURANUS, FALCON, BISON, OFFBEAT, etc.)
• Experience with validation, benchmarking, and interpretation of fuel related experimental results
• High proficiency in programming and scripting capabilities
• Good knowledge of numerical methods for scientific computing would be an asset
• Fluency in spoken and written English. Proficiency in German is not required but would be beneficial

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a 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.

For further information, please contact Dr Alessandro Scolaro, phone [phone].

15 November 2026

index no. 4107-29881

Paul Scherrer Institut, People & Culture, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

www.psi.ch