Radiation Protection Physicist / Engineer

Paul Scherrer Institut; Villigen; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is Switzerland’s largest research institution for natural and engineering sciences, based in Villigen. We are seeking a Radiation Protection Physicist/Engineer to support the Decommissioning Studies Group within the Department of Radiation Safety and Security, focusing on IMPACT and related projects.

The role involves leading radiation protection campaigns, developing measurement concepts, and preparing regulatory reports.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or engineering or Master with equivalent research experience.
• Solid expertise in radiation physics, protection, and measurement technology.
• Experience with Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (FLUKA, Geant4, MCNP) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide radiation protection expertise and guidance for the IMPACT project.
• Organize, implement, and evaluate radiation protection campaigns and data analyses.
• Develop concepts and methods for measuring ionizing radiation and prepare expert reports.
• Support planning and implementation of decommissioning activities for former reactors, including automation and software development.
• Prepare license and release applications for regulatory authorities.
• Translate work into technical reports and publications; present findings at conferences.

Skills

Radiation physics expertise

Data analysis and visualization

Programming (C++, Python)

English & German language

Education

PhD in physics or engineering

Master with equivalent research experience

Tools

FLUKA

Geant4

MCNP

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 Decommissioning Studies Group within the Department of Radiation Safety and Security we are looking for a

• Provide radiation protection expertise and technical guidance for projects, with a particular focus on developing the TATTOOS radioisotope‑production facility as part of the PSI’s large‑scale project IMPACT
• Organize, implement, and evaluate radiation protection measurement campaigns at PSI, mainly within the IMPACT project, including analysis and interpretation of the experimental data
• Develop radiation protection concepts and methods for measuring ionizing radiation (e.g., for clearance measurements, decommissioning activities, and the characterization of radioactive materials) and prepare expert reports (if necessary, with the help of Monte Carlo simulations) according to the needs of the group and section
• Support the planning and implementation of decommissioning activities for former research reactors, including optimizing clearance measurements through automation and software development
• Prepare license and release applications for the regulatory authorities
• Translate your work into clear technical reports, quality management documents and scientific publications
• Share your findings with the scientific community by presenting studies and results at national and international conferences

Your profile

• PhD degree in physics or engineering, or master’s degree with equivalent research experience
• Solid expertise in radiation physics, protection, and measurement technology. Practical experience with measurement campaigns and experiments at particle accelerators and/or radioisotope‑production facilities is a plus. Experience with methods and technologies for the decommissioning of nuclear installations is also an asset
• Excellent command of English (both spoken and written) and proficiency in German. Alternatively, a strong commitment to learning German quickly
• Strong skills in data analysis, data visualization and programming (e.g., C++, Python)
• Knowledge of one or more major Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (FLUKA, Geant4, MCNP)

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.

This is a fixed‑term project position. The employment contract is limited to three years.

For further information, please contact Dr. Matteo Bolzonella, phone [phone].

4. January 2027 for the position as a Radiation Protection Physicist / Engineer (index no. 9624-30258).