Closing the nuclear fuel loop- from waste to fuel

Nuclear energy is a versatile and flexible low-carbon energy source, which can provide an important contribution to the transition toward a decarbonized economy. Closing the nuclear fuel cycle will be the key factor to a sustainable use of nuclear systems for power production. The key components of closing the nuclear fuel cycle is the recycling and refabrication of nuclear fuel.

Project description
This PhD student position relates to projects within the Swedish Competence Centre ANItA (Academic-industrial Nuclear technology Initiative to Achieve a sustainable energy future), which integrates Swedish technical and nontechnical expertise of Uppsala University, Chalmers, KTH, Vattenfall, Uniper, Fortum, Westinghouse, Studsvik Nuclear and the Swedish Energy Agency in nuclear technology and engineering. Collaborative research, development and education of the centre aims to create a Swedish knowledge and competence base needed for the introduction of novel nuclear power technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and provide relevant information, in particular, to policymakers for timely decisions on the future Swedish energy generation mix.

Within ANItA, the leading universities in Sweden collaborate with leading Nordic companies in the nuclear energy sector. This offers doctoral students and postdoctoral students a strong research environment, a unique industrial application potential, and excellent opportunities for international partnerships.

The project will primarily focus on near term deployable LWR SMR designs in cooperation with the Centre partners.
The main objectives are:
- Establish a shortlist of suitable SMR designs targeting (primarily) electric power production.
- Assemble key design features and plant data of the selected designs
- Define potential critical further technology development needs focusing with highest priority on simplicity and cost-consciousness, with the same safety requirements as today. This includes construction, commissioning, operation, as well as decommissioning.

The project will provide competence development for young researchers that will allow them to fulfill roles as either future TSO (Technical Support Organisation) personnel that will be required for transition from the current nuclear power plant fleet to a future fleet including or based on SMR technology, or as experts within Swedish nuclear industry. The objective is furthermore to assemble and provide to other Centre projects key design features and plant data required to carry out research on core design, fuel, safety systems, and operational systems.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, you are supposed to focus on the research questions relating to your project. In this case the connection of the separation process with the fuel fabrication. This includes developing the chemistry of the CHALMEX separation process as well as adopting the connecting sol-gel process for the fabrication of the fuel. There is a considerable part of hands on laboratory work involving radioactive nuclides which will beperformed in dedicated laboratories with special requirements. In addition, as a PhD student you are supposed to take an active part in the teaching of both B. Sc and M.Sc. students and be included in some departemental work.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Chemistry or Chemical engineering or similar, preferably with Nuclear Chemistry as speciality. The degree can also be in Nuclear Physics, Reactor Physics or related fields. Experience in solvent extraction or sol-gel processing is desirable. Applications without a documented knowledge in practical chemical laboratory work will be systematically disregarded. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment is an advantage.

Fluency in English is mandatory, fluency/knowledge of a Nordic language would be meritous as well.

Please observe: Since the department is also a nuclear facility, only citizens of the countries who are signatory of Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons can apply and be considered for the position. Please check the status of your country before applying.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Information about the division
The Division of Energy and Materials, Nuclear Chemistry and Industrial Materials Recycling group covers a broad range of research topics. We have more than 50 years of experience in these fields and we are driven by curiosity and boldness. Our research (aside hydrometallurgy applied in various non-nuclear applications), is devoted to the development of a closed nuclear fuel cycle (fuel research, waste management through recycling of spent nuclear fuel for separation for transmutation, novel fuel developments, final repository research) as well as safety of reactors from chemical point of view (current and Gen IV systems) as well as research on severe nuclear accidents.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=11010&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 30 November, 2022