Nuclear Waste Chemist

Blykalla AB; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A nuclear technology startup in Stockholm is seeking a Nuclear Waste Chemist to lead evaluations for purification strategies and minimize radioactive waste. In this pivotal role, you will analyze complex systems, engage with partner institutions, and contribute to innovative nuclear technology solutions. Ideal candidates hold a degree in chemistry or related fields and have strong analytical and communication skills. Join us in revolutionizing nuclear energy for a sustainable future!

Qualifications

• Experience analyzing or evaluating chemical processes, purification methods, or waste treatment strategies.
• Familiarity with radioactive or hazardous waste challenges in nuclear, energy, or industrial systems.
• Fluent in English in speech and writing (Swedish is a nice-to-have).
• Strong analytical and communication skills—able to structure data, write clearly, and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical and coordination aspects of nuclear waste chemistry.
• Analyze and evaluate expected waste streams based on reactor design.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste volumes through system-level decisions.
• Review and help develop treatment methods for reprocessing spent fuel and reuse of lead and materials.
• Assess lead coolant contaminated with fission products or actinides using data and partner input.
• Review and compare chemical separation methods for potential use in Blykalla’s systems.
• Coordinate with research institutions, vendors, and partners performing waste and coolant treatment experiments.
• Contribute to writing technical reports and feasibility studies for licensing and design decisions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Chemistry knowledge

Curiosity

Education

Degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field

Job description

Blykalla is scaling quickly in order to industrialize our small modular reactor (SMR) concept. If you are passionate about nuclear technology and want to make a significant impact, join us!

Do you thrive on analyzing complex material systems and translating chemistry into engineering strategy?

We’re looking for a Nuclear Waste Chemist to lead technical evaluations that support purification strategies, minimize radioactive waste, and guide Blykalla’s backend design decisions for its first-of-a-kind lead-cooled SMR. You’ll work across simulation, literature review, and partner coordination to make sure our waste systems are safe, scalable, and future-ready.

What we do at Blykalla

Blykalla is developing the next generation of nuclear technology with our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on innovative fuel, materials, and reactor designs. As Sweden’s only SMR developer, we are on a mission to decarbonize industries and enable safe, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions. Our technology uses uranium nitride fuel and lead coolant, creating novel challenges and opportunities for the fuel cycle and supporting systems.

What you’ll get to do

You’ll lead the analytical and coordination aspects of Blykalla’s nuclear waste chemistry- contributing to feasibility studies, system designs, and future licensing strategies.

• Analyze and evaluate expected waste streams (solid and liquid) based on reactor design and operating scenarios.
• Identify opportunities to reduce low-, intermediate-, and high-level waste volumes through system-level decisions, purification strategies, or material choices.
• Review, compare and be part of developing treatment methods for reprocessing spent fuel and reuse of lead and other materials.
• Assess treatment options for lead coolant contaminated with fission products or actinides, using available data and partner input.
• Review and compare chemical separation methods (e.g., silver or actinide separation) for potential use in Blykalla’s systems.
• Coordinate with research institutions, vendors, and industrial partners performing experimental work on waste and coolant treatment.
• Contribute to writing technical reports and feasibility studies for licensing, design decisions, and strategic planning.
• Serve as the internal reference point for chemistry-related questions across the waste lifecycle.

Where this role can take you

This is a unique opportunity to shape early how nuclear waste is managed in one of Europe’s most advanced nuclear start-ups. As you grow into the role, you’ll gain visibility across disciplines and contribute directly to the design and deployment of a first-of-a-kind reactor system. Over time, you may:

• Influence key design decisions that affect how waste is generated, treated, and classified.
• Take the lead in building our technical strategy for coolant purification and waste conditioning.
• Work with national labs, vendors, and regulators to turn ideas into practical, accepted solutions.
• Become Blykalla’s go-to expert on radiochemical behavior, material treatment, and long-term waste strategy.
• Help define how future SMRs manage their materials and legacy—not just safely, but intelligently and sustainably.

Who you are

You’re analytical, curious, and motivated by impact. You enjoy turning complex data, research, and system behavior into practical insight. You’re excited by the idea of building something from the ground up- especially in a field as consequential as nuclear waste. You work well across disciplines, communicate clearly, and take pride in structured thinking. You’re not in the lab yourself, but you’re fully at home working with those who are—connecting chemistry to design, safety, and strategy. Above all, you want to be part of a team solving hard problems for the long term.

We believe you have:

• Degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Experience analyzing or evaluating chemical processes, purification methods, or waste treatment strategies
• Familiarity with radioactive or hazardous waste challenges in nuclear, energy, or industrial systems
• Strong analytical and communication skills—able to structure data, write clearly, and collaborate across teams
• Fluent in English in speech and writing. Swedish is a nice-to-have but not a must

The following will be considered a plus:

• Knowledge of lead chemistry and fuel chemistry, actinide behavior, or fission product separation
• Experience working with national labs, vendors, or technical facilities performing experimental work
• Exposure to waste classification frameworks or backend system planning
• Experience writing technical reports for feasibility studies, internal strategy, or regulatory purposes

Location

The position is based in Stockholm, with travel to partner labs and industrial sites as needed.

So, what do you think?

Become part of a team that’s transforming nuclear energy and building a sustainable future. Together, we’ll deliver safe, clean, and reliable power to the world.

We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace free from discrimination. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background will lead to a better environment for our employees and a better product. This is something we value deeply and we encourage everyone to be a part of changing the way the world thinks about power supply!

Note: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are an equal-opportunity employer.