PhD Student
Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
Publication date:
16 November 2024Workload:
100%Contract type:
Internship- Place of work:Villigen PSI
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.
For our research on the behavior of radionuclides in liquid metals in the Laboratory of Radiochemistry we are looking for a
Your tasks
As part of an international project, we are investigating the behaviour of radionuclides in heavy liquid metal coolants to be used in advanced nuclear reactor systems and/or as spallation targets. One of the most hazardous radioelements occurring in these systems is polonium, which shows increased volatility when the coolant is exposed to traces of oxygen and moisture. Within this PhD project, your tasks will be to:
- Implement electrochemical devices for the measurement and control of the oxygen concentration in the gas phase and in the liquid metal into an existing experimental setup for evaporation studies
- Combine the evaporation setup with an advanced gas purification loop and to demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ oxygen and moisture control during an evaporation experiment
- Prepare metal samples containing the radioelement polonium produced by neutron irradiation
- Study the evaporation of polonium from the molten metal under variation of the oxygen concentration in the liquid metal and in the gas phase as well as the moisture content in the gas phase
- Evaluate the data to extract fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the evaporation reaction
- Present and publish the obtained results at international conferences, project meetings and in peer reviewed journals
This work involves both the application of methods already available in our laboratory as well as the implementation of new and improved techniques for evaporation and deposition studies. Your work in this technically and scientifically challenging research field will be accompanied by experienced specialists.
Your profile
You are a highly motivated candidate who enjoys experimental work in an interdisciplinary environment. A masters or diploma degree in chemistry, materials science, metallurgy or a related field is required. A solid background in chemistry as well as decent experimental and technical skills are required to carry out the experimental program. Good command of the English language is required. Experience with inert gas techniques and/or handling of molten metals would be a strong asset. Basic knowledge of radiochemistry as well as experience in handling radioactive material is also desirable, but not mandatory. The candidate will work at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen PSI, while being academically affiliated as a PhD student at the ETH Zürich.
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.
For further information, please contact Dr Jörg Neuhausen, phone +41 56 310 44 63.
Please submit your application online by 15 January 2025 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (index no. 4702-01).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
