Postdoc - Nuclear Fuel Performance and Fission Gas Modelling
Postdoc - Nuclear Fuel Performance and Fission Gas Modelling
The prolonged storage of spent nuclear fuel, particularly high burn up,
requires specific knowledge of chemical, structural, radiological and
mechanical processes that occur within the fuel assemblies which may impact
their stability during storage. In addition to this, reliably predicting the
medium-longer term performance is essential for safe storage and associated
licensing.
As part of the Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation
and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) project “Atlas”, 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 computational materials science to investigate the chemical and
mechanical effects arising from delayed fission gas release in high burn-up
spent nuclear fuel by applying SCIANTIX modelling and coupling this against
fundamental and engineering-scale nuclear codes such as BISON and TRANSURANUS.
The position will run for 3 years and is contingent upon project approval.
Your Job
Apply and develop state-of-the-art computational investigative methods,
specifically utilizing the SCIANTIX code, to simulate the behavior of high
burn-up spent nuclear fuel during extended interim storage
Predictive Analysis: Model and evaluate physical-chemical phenomena—such
as diffusion, resolution, and bubble evolution, to deliver enhanced
predictions of fission gas release (FGR) and structural engineering
performance in spent fuel
Bridge the gap between theory and experiment by integrating
microstructural and experimental data into computational models to
validate predictive capabilities
Assist in coupling mesoscale fission gas behavior models with macroscopic
fuel performance codes such as BISON and TRANSURANUS to assess the long-
term integrity of storage systems
Actively collaborate and exchange benchmarks with the "Atlas" project
partners, including participating in collaborative research exchanges
Support and mentor PhD and Masters level students in implementing
modelling codes and analysis
Analyze, document, and present data at international conferences and
publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals
Your Profile
Master's degree with subsequent PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering,
Computational Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related
discipline
Proven experience in mesoscale or engineering-scale modeling of nuclear
fuel materials. Familiarity with physics-based rate theory, mechanistic
modeling, or fuel performance codes such as SCIANTIX particularly but also
TRANSURANUS or BISON is highly desirable
Strong foundational knowledge in fission gas behavior (including
diffusion, bubble nucleation, resolution, and microstructural evolution)
and the mechanics of high burn-up spent nuclear fuel under extended
interim storage conditions
Solid scientific programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, C++
or Fortran) for script development, code execution, and parsing complex
data sets
Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot your research
output while aligning results with the overarching goals of the Atlas
project
Assist in the co-supervision and mentoring of PhD candidates, master's
students, or technical staff working within the research group whilst
performing an active leadership role in the Atlas project
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 the BMI 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 published until it is
successfully filled.
Share:
Application Process FAQ Contact form
Career portal Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Legal Notice
Follow us
