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.
Within the center for nuclear engineering and sciences, the laboratory for reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics conducts computational and experimental research with focus on the safety of nuclear reactors and systems. On this basis, a key mission is to provide scientific support to regulators and industry in relation to nuclear safety assessments. In this context, a key component is to continuously maintain and further develop state-of-the-art computational methods for accurate and reliable simulations of the complex thermo-mechanical behaviour of nuclear fuels during normal reactor operation as well as for postulated transients and during post-discharge storage and disposal conditions. To strengthen these activities, we are now looking for a
Your tasks
- Leadership of the group members for professional and personnel development as well as organizational matters
- Define directions and participate to research aimed at development, verification, validation and uncertainty quantification of both state-of-the-art fuel performance codes as well as higher resolution thermo-mechanical solvers for LWR applications and/or novel fuel designs of advanced reactor systems
- Guide the integration of the fuel simulation methods into multi-scale and/or multi-physics frameworks
- Supervise and/or provide expert support for third parties and ensure high quality technical reports
- Contribute to program and project management with focus on project acquisition, integration of education activities and establishment of cross-cutting collaborations within and beyond the laboratory
- Track international progress and ensure continuous preparation and publication of peer-reviewed journal and conference articles
Your profile
- PhD degree in reactor physics, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent
- Minimum 4 to 5 years of academic or industrial experience after PhD in the area of fuel behaviour
- Proven record in development of fuel thermo-mechanical solvers
- Recognized expertise in European and/or International nuclear fuel related communities and networks
- Experience in project management and/or supervision of post-graduate personnel
- Good knowledge of English and basic knowledge of German would be an advantage
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.
This is a Tenure Track position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 3 years.
For further information, please contact Hakim Ferroukhi, phone +41 56 310 40 62.
Please submit your application online by 17 September 2025 for the position as a Group Leader (Index-Nr. 4100-00).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Adina Keller, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland