PhD student position in Radiolysis and nuclear fuel dissolution

Information about the division and the research
Chalmers University of Technology's Department of Chemistry has about 300 employees which are working within four research divisions and one administrative unit.

The division of Energy and Materials hosts the research group of Nuclear Chemistry / Industrial Materials Recycling comprising 8 senior scientists as well as 11 PhD students and postdocs, headed by two professors in Nuclear Chemistry and Industrial Materials Recycling. The research group is highly international and has a wide international network.

Besides the research on material interactions in reactors at elevated temperatures, the group is  specialized in aqueous chemistry and solvent extraction used for both recycling of materials and nuclear applications.

In the field of nuclear chemistry, there are four major research areas: 1)  novel nuclear fuels for the generation IV nuclear power systems, 2) radionuclide release from severe nuclear accidents, 3) partitioning and transmutation of spent fuel, and 4) final repository of radioactive waste. The nuclear chemistry research facilities are unique for an university in Europe, with a dedicated alpha laboratory for nuclear fuel research and a gamma lab with "hot cell" and irradiation source. In addition, there are several radiochemistry laboratories for trace-level work.

More information about the groups can be found on the webpage: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/chem/research/energymaterials/Pages/default.aspx



Currently we have two more PhD positions available, for more information and to apply for the other positions please follow the links below:
PhD student position in Tellurium interactions with organics
PhD student position in High temperature material degradation in LEAD/BISMUTH eutectic melts

Major responsibilities
The work will mainly consist of studies related to spent fuel dissolution under repository conditions. A close collaboration with the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company will exist. Special emphasis is put in the understanding of the mechanism of the reaction of the near field reductants, such as dissolved H2 and Fe(II), with radiolytic oxidants. An outline of the studies previewed during the whole duration of the project is given below.  In the first study, the oxidation state of a UO2 pellet positioned at about 30 µm distance from an alpha source will be investigated using XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). The UO2 pellet and the alpha source will be placed inside an autoclave filled with a low ionic strength carbonate containing solution and pressurized with Ar or H2. In another study, slices of un-irradiated MOX fuel containing about 10%Pu will be tested in a solution similar to that in the first study, but in the presence of a metallic Fe-foil or in the presence of a Fe(II) containing solid, such as magnetite or siderite or in the presence of 10 bar deuterium. Analysis of the solution and characterisation of the surfaces by SEM will make possible to draw conclusions on the role of Fe(II) combined with H2 in the first case and only Fe(II) in the second case and only H2 in the third case. Another study is previewed with a 24% Pu doped pellet under 50 bar deuterium involving the analysis of the solutions for the released radionuclides and isotopic D/H analysis of the leachate after distillation for HDO production. Analysis of the gas phase for potential O2 or HD production is also previewed.

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

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have:
(1) MSc in Chemistry
(2) Expertise in experimental work in Chemistry.
(3) Good communication skills in written and spoken English
(4) Able to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to this webpage 

Application deadline: 25 February, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Christian Ekberg, Energy and Materials, che@chalmers.se
Prof. Teodora Retegan Vollmer, Energy and Materials, tretegan@chalmers.se