Research assistant (f/m/d) DM-881

The research assistant position (f/m/d) is part of the collaborative project ATLAS – Structural
stability and integrity of spent nuclear fuel phases from interim storage to final disposal: Linking
atomistic behaviour and technical aspects, funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment,
Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) (subject to funding approval).

The project brings together researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum
Dresden-Rossendorf, Freie Universität Berlin, Goethe University Frankfurt and RWTH Aachen
University. The overall aim is to understand how radiation damage affects the long-term stability
of spent nuclear fuel during extended interim storage. At Freie Universität Berlin, the project
focuses on radiation-induced changes in oxide model materials relevant to spent nuclear fuel.

• Your tasks:
  Synthesis of cerium-based oxide model materials (polycrystalline CeO2 and CeO2 doped
  with lanthanides and zirconium) by wet-chemical and solid-state methods, simulating the
  elevated fission-product inventories of high-burnup nuclear fuel.
• Preparation of radionuclide-containing model compounds, in particular Pu-based
  perovskite phases, during research stays at partner institutes.
• Ion irradiation of model phases with Au and He ions to simulate recoil damage and helium
  accumulation in the materials, as well as long-term self-irradiation experiments on Pu-
  doped oxide phases.
• Structural, spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of pristine and irradiated
  materials using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray
  absorption spectroscopy.
• Analysis of radiation-induced structural and chemical changes, including dose-response
  relationships and helium solubility behaviour.
• Evaluation and interpretation of experimental data in collaboration with modelling
  partners, providing input parameters for defect models and SCIANTIX simulations.
• Presentation of research results at international conferences and publication in peer-
  reviewed journals.
• Active participation in project meetings and collaborative research within the ATLAS
  consortium.

Key Requirements
A completed university degree (M.Sc. or Diploma degree) in chemistry or related subjekts.

Desirable

• A strong background in inorganic solid-state chemistry or radiochemistry.
• Experience with the synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials.
• Knowledge of diffraction and spectroscopic methods.
• Interest in actinide chemistry and radiation effects in materials.
• Willingness to handle open radioactive materials.
• Willingness to spend extended periods at collaborating research institutes in Germany.
• Willingness to participate in the radiation safety organization in the group.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Basic German language skills are desirable.
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.

If your are interested in what we have to offer,
We look forward to receiving your application, which should include the following documents:

• A one-page letter of motivation with details of previous research experience.
• Your CV (including a list of publications if applicable).
• Copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates.

Simply submit your application exclusively via our career portal by clicking the “Apply now”
button. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications by post or by e-mail.

You can also get in touch with Ms.Nina Huittinen (nina.huittinen@fu-berlin.de).

Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.