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.
The Laboratory for Nuclear Materials in the Center for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences is the principal research unit in Switzerland in the domain of materials behavior and ageing in nuclear installations. It provides material-related R&D and scientific services for current and future nuclear systems for electricity and heat generation or waste reduction as well as to the performance of nuclear research facilities. The Nuclear Fuels group performs research projects on the safety and performance of nuclear fuels, mainly in cooperation with the Swiss nuclear power plants using facilities like PSI’s hot laboratory, electron microscopy facilities, or PSI’s large-scale facilities (synchrotron, spallation neutrons).
Nuclear Fuels is looking for a
Your tasks
- Develop, organize, and lead research projects on interfaces of nuclear fuel materials comprising ceramics, metals, compounds, with respect to microstructure, chemistry, and corrosion (e.g., coated claddings, CRUD, corrosion at interfaces)
- Cooperation with PSI’s hot laboratory for using the shielded focused ion beam to prepare and analyse micrometric radioactive samples
- Characterization of micro-structures with TEM, and interpret results with respect to structure, irradiation damage, interface strength, mechanical and corrosion properties
- Be a main contact point for the cooperation with PSI’s Electron Microscopy Facilities (EMF) and ScopeM at ETH Zurich
- Formulation of proposals and funding acquisition
- Cooperate with industry partners in Switzerland and internationally
- Supervision of master and PhD students, and Postdocs
- Publications in renowned journals, presentations at conferences, workshops etc., targeting stakeholders from the scientific community, industry and nuclear authorities
- Involvement in national and international networks, e.g., session chairing in international conferences or participation in scientific committees
Your profile
- You have a master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry, and a PhD degree preferentially in Nuclear Materials
- FIB and TEM experience is important. Working in a radiation-protected environment with active samples is no problem for you. Respective trainings and courses will be provided, existing experience is welcome
- You like to interact with varied people in international environments – scientific and lab colleagues, industry partners, (PhD)students
- Excellent scientific track record and work experience abroad
- Excellent English is mandatory, good knowledge of German is a plus
- Experience in applying quality management based processes is helpful
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 Dr. Johannes Bertsch, phone +41 56 310 41 73.
Please submit your application online by 12 December 2026 for the position as a Scientist (Tenure Track) (Index-Nr. 4602-30348).
Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland