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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 2200 people.

The structural integrity group investigates the influence of material ageing phenomena on the lifetime and structural integrity of (nuclear) power plant components. In order to strengthening our corrosion activities we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Fellow

Investigation of the stress corrosion cracking behaviour of LWR structural materials in zinc (and platinum) water chemistry

Your tasks

  • Experimental evaluation of the effect of Zn (and Pt) on the SCC crack initiation and growth behaviour of Alloy 182 and stainless steel in high-temperature water (BWR & PWR conditions)
  • Identification and quantification of SCC mitigation conditions
  • Metallo- and fractographic post-test evaluation of the deformation and fracture mechanism (e.g., by LOM, SEM / EBSD, FIB, etc.)
  • Characterisation of the Pt particle distribution and Zn incorporation in the oxide film on specimens from the lab and possibly on radioactive specimens from a Swiss boiling water reactor plant by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy
  • Supervision of master or semester theses and internships
  • Publication of results in scientific journals and at international conferences
  • Support of other service tasks / projects

Your profile

You hold a PhD degree in Materials Science or Metallurgy (or closely related) and have a solid background in corrosion / electrochemistry and metallurgy. Additionally, you have practical experience in material characterization by light and electron microscopy and ideally in experiments under high-temperature water conditions. Very good communication skills in English are also required. A German working knowledge would be an asset.

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.

Your employment contract is limited to 3 years.

For further information, please contact Stefan Ritter, phone +41 56 310 29 83, e-mail stefan.ritter@psi.ch.

Please submit your application online by 31 May 2023 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 4603-00).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
Apply online now
Best Employers
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HR Qualitätssiegel