Postdoctoral Fellow in Zinc Water Chemistry and NobleChem Effects on LWR Cladding Degradation

About the role

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland's largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences, is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow for its Component Structural Safety Group. The fellowship focuses on the effects of Zinc Water Chemistry (ZWC) and NobleChem on the degradation of light water reactor (LWR) structural and fuel cladding materials. The contract is limited to 2 years, with the option of a 2-year extension.

Key responsibilities

• Design, conduct and evaluate experimental studies on the effects of ZWC and NobleChem on the degradation of LWR structural and fuel cladding materials
• Research topics include stress corrosion cracking initiation and propagation, corrosion, oxidation and hydrogen uptake, quantitative assessment of environmental and material parameter effects, and the use of advanced metallographic, fractographic, electrochemical and surface analytical techniques
• Characterise oxide film composition, structure and zinc incorporation using state-of-the-art microscopy and spectroscopy methods
• Supervise student research projects and internships
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences
• Contribute to collaborative research and provide technical expertise across related projects

Required profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy or a closely related field
• Solid background in corrosion, electrochemistry and metallurgy
• Excellent communication skills in English and ability to work in an international, multidisciplinary team; knowledge of German is an asset

Required skills

• Material characterisation by light and electron microscopy
• Ideal experience in experiments under high-temperature water conditions

What we offer

• Systematic on-the-job training and personal development opportunities
• Modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure supporting work-life balance

Applications must be submitted online by 4 January 2027, including referee addresses.