The Institute of Energy and Climate Research - Nuclear Waste Management and Reactor Safety (IEK-6) performs cutting-edge research in the fields of nuclear waste management and safety, considering the process of “Energiewende”, the transition of the German energy system. The Nuclear Waste Management section performs fundamental as well as applied research and development for the safe management of nuclear wastes, covering issues from the atomic scale to the macroscopic scale of actual waste forms, waste packages or the engineered barrier system of deep geological repositories for nuclear wastes. In this context, we study innovative waste management strategies for the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste, especially for the separation of the long-lived actinides.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Investigation and development of solvent extraction processes for the selective separation of americium

Your Job:

The scientific investigation and advancement of solvent extraction processes and the fundamental chemistry for the separation of americium from highly radioactive waste is intensely studied internationally. Within a German federal ministry of economic affairs and energy (BMWi) funded project, it is foreseen to establish an advanced, substantiated knowledge and decision basis towards alternative waste management strategies studied in foreign countries. The project promotes establishment, advancement, and conservation of scientific and technical competence of young talents in the field of nuclear waste management in Germany. Within this PhD project you will contribute to investigations into the selective separation of americium using solvent extraction:

• Thermodynamic and kinetic investigations with promising extraction systems
  
• Use of modern spectroscopic investigation methods to determine the structure of the investigated metal complexes
  
• Development of equilibrium models for process development
  
• Stability studies of the complexing agents under the influence of ionizing radiation
  
• Collaboration with project partners for atomistic modeling
  
• Processing of the data and scientific interpretation of the results
  
• Independent presentation of the results at scientific conferences and in scientific publications

Your Profile:

• University degree (master) in Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline
  
• Experience in the fields of radiochemistry, analytics, and solvent extraction chemistry
  
• Practical experience with laboratory work, willingness, and ability to learn and develop these skills are essential
  
• Experience in handling radioactive substances and in the field of radionuclide separation is desirable
  
• Experience in the synthesis and characterization of organometallic complexes
  
• Ability to work in an international multidisciplinary team
  
• Willingness to undertake national and international business trips
  
• Great motivation to complete the doctorate within 3 years
  
• Very good English communication and writing skills

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctorate
  
• A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
  
• Chance of participating in (international) conferences and project meetings
  
• Continuous scientific mentoring by experienced scientists
  
• A Doctoral degree conferred by RWTH Aachen University (when requirements are met)
  
• A structured doctoral degree programme for you and your supervisors with a comprehensive further training and networking package on our doctoral researchers’ platform JuDocs https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years, with possible long-term prospects. Pay in line with up to 65 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations.
We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

We look forward to receiving your application until 11.07.2021 via our
Online-Recruitment-System!

Questions about the vacancy?
Get in touch with us by using our contact form.
Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.