Postdoc - Radiation Effects and Microstructural Stability of Nuclear Fuel Materials

Cr-doped UO₂ is an accident tolerant nuclear fuel that has received significant globally attention due to its improve in-reactor performance over conventional predecessors. However, less is known regarding its in-reactor behaviour when subject to irradiation damage and subsequent performance as spent nuclear fuel.

As part of the CONNECT-NM European funded project “Figaro”, the Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management (IFN) / Nuclear Waste Management (IFN-2)is offering a Postdoc position for a motivated individual with a PhD and background in materials chemistry, solid state physics or radiochemistry to investigate the chemical, structural and microstructural stability of Cr-doped UO₂ ceramics materials subject to radiation damage. The position will run for 3 years is contingent on upon project approval.

Your Job

• Synthesis and characterization of high quality and industry grade Cr-doped UO₂ ceramics
• Perform radiation and mechanical ballistic studies on synthesized specimens
• Application of microstructural and chemical analysis techniques from the macro- to nano-scale to assess changes arising from damage effects
• Examining solid state chemical and physical processes that may affect stability (radionuclide release or retention) in Cr-doped UO₂ ceramics
• Application of state-of-the-art synchrotron and ion-irradiation radiation facility techniques through requests for beamtime and subsequent experiment performance
• Collaboration and information exchange with “Figaro” project partners and members including performing research exchanges in countries such as France and Finland
• Analyses and processing of diffraction and microstructural, including SEM and TEM, measurement data
• Dissemination of results at scientific conferences and through peer reviewed publications

Your Profile

• Master's degree with subsequent PhD degree in physics, materials science or related fieldin Materials Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Radiochemistry or a related discipline
• Experience in ceramics of solid state materials synthesis particularly involving difficult to handle or radioactive materials
• Interest in nuclear energy, waste management, nuclear fuel or spent nuclear fuel materials. Specific experience in spent nuclear fuel systems, actinide and radiochemistry is desirable
• Experience with microstructural analysis techniques such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy including TEM, FIB, SEM and EDS techniques, is considered an advantage
• The ability to work in an international multidisciplinary team, and to work for extended periods of time in partner institutes abroad
• Excellent English communication and scientific writing skills (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), with a demonstrated track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Our Benefits for You

We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! You can expect a wide range of opportunities:

• Research Environment: Working within the state-of-the-art nuclear laboratories of Forschungszentrum Juelich, Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management (IFN) / Nuclear Waste Management (IFN-2)
• Research infrastructure: Access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure
• Mentoring & Expertise: Mentoring and training by global experts in nuclear fuel materials chemistry and condensed matter physics
• Knowledge & further training: Support for further career growth, with the flexibility to develop your own independent scientific ideas within the project's scope
• International networking: Confirmed funded opportunities to attend international conferences and training events
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• Career Center: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities
• Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade EG 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on theBMI website. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 ff. of the PDF download
• Additional benefits: Benefit from attractive additional services such as a company pension scheme with employer contribution. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits
• Fixed-term: 3 Year position contingent upon project approval

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

Place of Employment:Jülich

Start Date: As soon as possible

Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week

Salary: EG 13 TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline:The position will be advertised until it is successfully filled

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