Scientific Group Leader “Material Ageing” (Tenure Track)

Paul Scherrer Institut; Villigen; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, invites applications for a Scientific Group Leader “Material Ageing” (Tenure Track). The role combines leadership of the group and the INTEGER program with active R&D on material ageing, testing, and integrity for safe long‑term operation of reactor components.

We seek a PhD in materials science and engineering with proven leadership and project-acquisition experience, and excellent English; German is highly desirable for ENSI

Qualifications

• Broad & solid background in material ageing & testing and/or characterization
• Experience in scientific team leadership and project management/acquisition
• Excellent English communication skills; German language skills or willingness to acquire them, as German is essential for ENSI collaboration

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Material Ageing group and the INTEGER research program (20–25% effort)
• Take responsibility for personnel, budget, safety and QM within the group
• Acquire new third-party funded R&D projects and grants, including project reporting
• Coordinate on-call expertise projects for ENSI and manage COI
• Develop and implement long-term group strategy with LNM head and leadership team
• Pursue own R&D as PI (75–80% effort) in the INTEGER field
• Collaborate internationally and represent PSI/CH in networks and organizations
• Mentor PhD students, postdocs and master students

Skills

Group leadership

Project management

Grant acquisition

English proficiency

German willingness

Education

PhD in materials science and engineering

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.
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

Scientific Group Leader “Material Ageing” (Tenure Track)

• 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.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Manuel Pouchon, phone [phone], e‑mail: [e-mail] .
Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Ana‑Maria Erbsland, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland