PhD student position in recycled nuclear fuel manufacturing

Nuclear energy is a highly versatile and flexible low-carbon energy source, playing a vital role in the transition to a decarbonized economy. A key to unlocking the sustainable use of nuclear power lies in closing the nuclear fuel cycle, which involves recycling and refabricating nuclear fuel.

Project description
This PhD position is part of the MÅSTE project, funded by the Swedish Energy Authority. The project is a collaboration between Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg University, Lund University, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), and Uppsala University. Industrial relevance is provided through the involvement of Karnfull Next AB.

The project's main goal is to identify and establish the requirements needed to apply for constructing a Gen IV pilot plant in Sweden. This involves expertise from a wide range of fields including nuclear chemistry, reactor physics, materials science, safeguards, and radiation protection. As a PhD student in this project, you will gain a holistic understanding of all the key aspects needed in this domain.

The project will offer young researchers exceptional opportunities to develop skills that can lead to roles in Technical Support Organizations (TSO), supporting the transition from today’s nuclear power plants to those based on Gen IV technologies. Alternatively, the role can also position you as an expert in the Swedish nuclear industry. Additionally, the project aims to contribute key design features and plant data to support other research efforts on advanced nuclear power systems.

About the division and research group
The position is based within the Division of Energy and Materials, specifically the Nuclear Chemistry and Industrial Materials Recycling group at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Our team boasts over 50 years of experience and operates with a spirit of curiosity and boldness. Our research spans a wide range of topics, from hydrometallurgy in non-nuclear applications to developing a closed nuclear fuel cycle. This includes work on fuel research, waste management through the recycling of spent nuclear fuel for transmutation, novel fuel developments, and final repository research. We are also focused on reactor safety (for both current and Gen IV systems) and research on severe nuclear accidents.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, your primary focus will be on addressing specific research questions related to the project. In particular, you will:


• Investigate the effects of impurities that result from the incomplete separation process during nuclear fuel recycling.
• Examine how these impurities affect the sol-gel production of nuclear fuel and its properties.
• Model the impact of these impurities on reactor operations, particularly through core simulations.
• Collaborate closely with experts in radiation protection and safeguard research, as these interactions are critical to your work.

You will also engage in significant hands-on laboratory work involving radioactive nuclides, which will be carried out in dedicated laboratories with specific safety requirements. Furthermore, you will be expected to contribute to the teaching of both BSc and MSc students, as well as participate in some departmental duties.

For more information about doctoral studies at Chalmers, click here.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must:


• Hold a Master’s degree (corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Physics, Reactor Physics, or a related field.
• Have documented experience in practical chemical laboratory work. Applications without this will not be considered.
• Have experience in solvent extraction or sol-gel processing (highly desirable).
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Be fluent in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of a Nordic language is advantageous but not required.

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
This is a full-time, temporary position with a maximum duration of five years.

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.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240518 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.


Application deadline: 30 November, 2024



For questions, please contact:
Christian Ekberg, Nuclear Chemistry and Industrial Materials Recycling
che@chalmers.se
+46317722801