Research assistant (f/m/d) (DM-881)

Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 56.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Freie Universität Berlin's Huittinen group invites applications for a research assistant in the ATLAS project. The role focuses on synthesising cerium oxide model materials and preparing Pu-containing compounds, followed by ion irradiation and in-depth characterization to study radiation effects.

You will collaborate with partner institutes to interpret data, contribute to defect modelling, and present findings at conferences and in journals.

Qualifikationen

• M.Sc. or Diploma in chemistry.
• Strong background in inorganic solid-state chemistry or radiochemistry.
• Experience with synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials.
• Willingness to handle open radioactive materials.
• Good written and spoken English; basic German desirable.

Aufgaben

• Synthesize CeO2-based oxide model materials by wet-chemical and solid-state methods.
• Prepare radionuclide-containing model compounds, Pu-based perovskite phases.
• Ion-irradiate model phases with Au/He to simulate damage and study effects.
• Characterize pristine and irradiated materials using XRD, Raman, electron microscopy, and XAS.
• Analyze radiation-induced changes and dose-response relationships.
• Collaborate with modelling partners and provide input for defect models and SCIANTIX simulations.
• Present results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in ATLAS consortium meetings.

Kenntnisse

Inorganic solid-state

Radiochemistry

Synthesis of materials

Diffraction knowledge

Spectroscopy knowledge

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Ausbildung

M.Sc./Diploma in Chemistry

Tools

XRD

Raman

Electron microscopy

XAS

Jobbeschreibung

Who We Are

The Huittinen research group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, works in the fields of inorganic solid-state chemistry and radiochemistry. Our research focuses on molecular and solid-state compounds containing

f-elements and technetium, with the aim of understanding how composition, oxidation state and local structure determine their chemical and physical properties.

A major focus of our research is on materials for the nuclear fuel cycle and the safe disposal of radioactive waste. By combining the synthesis of novel materials with advanced structural and spectroscopic characterization techniques, we address both fundamental questions in chemistry and application-oriented challenges.

What You Can Expect In Your Role

The research assistant position (f/m/d) is part of the collaborative project ATLAS – Structural stability and integrity of spent nuclear fuel phases from interim storage to final disposal: Linking atomistic behaviour and technical aspects, funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) (subject to funding approval).

The project brings together researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Freie Universität Berlin, Goethe University Frankfurt and RWTH Aachen University. The overall aim is to understand how radiation damage affects the long-term stability of spent nuclear fuel during extended interim storage. At Freie Universität Berlin, the project focuses on radiation-induced changes in oxide model materials relevant to spent nuclear fuel.

Your Tasks

• Synthesis of cerium-based oxide model materials (polycrystalline CeO2 and CeO2 doped with lanthanides and zirconium) by wet-chemical and solid-state methods, simulating the elevated fission-product inventories of high-burnup nuclear fuel.
• Preparation of radionuclide-containing model compounds, in particular Pu-based perovskite phases, during research stays at partner institutes.
• Ion irradiation of model phases with Au and He ions to simulate recoil damage and helium accumulation in the materials, as well as long-term self-irradiation experiments on Pu-doped oxide phases.
• Structural, spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of pristine and irradiated materials using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
• Analysis of radiation-induced structural and chemical changes, including dose-response relationships and helium solubility behaviour.
• Evaluation and interpretation of experimental data in collaboration with modelling partners, providing input parameters for defect models and SCIANTIX simulations.
• Presentation of research results at international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Active participation in project meetings and collaborative research within the ATLAS consortium.

Key Requirements

A completed university degree (M.Sc. or Diploma degree) in chemistry or related subjekts.

Desirable

• A strong background in inorganic solid-state chemistry or radiochemistry.
• Experience with the synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials.
• Knowledge of diffraction and spectroscopic methods.
• Interest in actinide chemistry and radiation effects in materials.
• Willingness to handle open radioactive materials.
• Willingness to spend extended periods at collaborating research institutes in Germany.
• Willingness to participate in the radiation safety organization in the group.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Basic German language skills are desirable.
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.

You can also get in touch with Ms.Nina Huittinen ([e-mail]).