Scientific Group Leader “Material Ageing” (Tenure Track)

Paul Scherrer Institut; Villigen; On-site; CHF 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) invites applications for a Scientific Group Leader "Material Ageing" (Tenure Track). The role encompasses leadership of the Structural Materials and Integrity Group, with principal investigator activity in INTEGER research and responsibilities for group strategy, budgeting, safety, and collaborations with ENSI and international partners.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in materials science/engineering, a broad background in ageing and testing of materials, and proven

Qualifications

• PhD in material science and engineering.
• Broad background in material ageing & testing.
• Experience leading scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead group and INTEGER program leadership (20–25% time).
• Oversee group lab infrastructure, safety and QM.
• Acquire third‑party funded R&D projects and grants.
• Lead ENSI on-call expertise projects and COI management.
• Publish results in journals and top conferences.
• Foster international collaborations within PSI and ETH domain.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Scientific collaboration

English language

German language willingness

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Job description

Scientific Group Leader "Material Ageing" (Tenure Track)

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.

The R&D focus in the Structural Materials and Integrity Group of the Laboratory for Nuclear Materials (https://www.psi.ch/en/lnm) and INTEGER research program is placed on material ageing and degradation mechanisms and their impact on integrity, lifetime and safety of pressure boundary and reactor internals components to support the safe long-term operation of the Swiss light water reactor fleet. The group consists of several scientists and technicians as well as PhD students and Post-Docs, operates a significant own lab infrastructure (mechanical testing, corrosion, metallography & electron microscopy) and provides scientific TSO support for the Swiss nuclear regulator ENSI. As part of succession planning we are looking for a

Your tasks

• Group & INTEGER research program leadership (~ 20-25 % of working time)
• Full operative (personnel, budget, safety), scientific & strategic responsibilities for the group and lab infrastructure including QM
• Acquisition of new third-party funded R&D projects & grants including project reporting
• Leading and coordination of on-call expertise projects for ENSI (including COI management)
• Development & implementation of the long-term group strategy in close collaboration with the LNM head & leadership team
• Pursuing own R&D activities in INTEGER field as principal investigator (~ 75-80 % of working time)
• High level applied R&D and service projects considering the specific Swiss and ENSI needs
• Supervision & mentoring of PhD students, Post-Docs and Master Students
• Limited academic teaching tasks (EPFL Doctoral School, ETHZ/EPFL NE master)
• Publication of results in journals & international conferences
• Foster international and internal (PSI & ETH domain) collaborations
• Representation of PSI/CH in international networks & organizations

Your profile

• PhD in material science and engineering or equivalent field
• Broad & solid background in the field of material ageing & material testing and/or characterization
• Experience in scientific team leadership and project management/acquisition
• Excellent English communication skills and German language skills, or a strong willingness to acquire them, as German is essential for effective collaboration with ENSI

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 Tenure Track position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 3 years.