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 Master's 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 TV D-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TV D-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

The position will be published until it is successfully filled. We look forward to receiving your online application.

Contact:

If your questions have not yet been answered via our FAQs, please send us a message via our contact form.

Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.