Forschungszentrum Jülich is inviting applications from motivated and highly qualified researchers for a Postdoctoral Position in Nuclear Fuel Performance and Fission Gas Modelling. This research opportunity focuses on advancing the state-of-the-art computational simulation of nuclear fuel behaviors, multiscale materials physics, and fission product transport under operational and transient conditions.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZ Jülich) |
| Research Area | Nuclear Fuel Performance, Fission Gas Dynamics & Computational Materials Science |
| Location | Jülich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Contract Type | Full-time, Fixed-term |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Early application advised) |
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Associate in Nuclear Fuel Performance and Modelling.
Research Area
The research is situated at the intersection of Nuclear Materials Science, Multi-scale Physics, and Nuclear Engineering. Specific domains include:
- Mechanistic and phenomenological modelling of fission gas production, diffusion, bubble nucleation, and release in nuclear fuels.
- Computational simulation of nuclear fuel rod performance under normal, transient, and accident-tolerant conditions.
- Validation and benchmarking of fuel performance codes against international experimental databases.
- Coupling microstructure evolution models with macroscale thermal-mechanical behavior.
Location
Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: A successfully completed doctorate (Ph.D.) or equivalent degree in Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Domain Knowledge: Solid background in nuclear fuel technology, radiation damage mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics in solid-state materials.
- Computational Competence: Experience with fuel performance codes (e.g., TRANSURANUS, BISON, ALCYONE, or equivalent) and/or mesoscale modeling tools (phase-field, rate theory, or kinetic Monte Carlo).
- Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (such as C++, Python, Fortran, or MATLAB).
- Communication & Teamwork: Excellent command of spoken and written English, strong scientific writing abilities, and readiness to work within an international, interdisciplinary research team.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will play a central role in conducting high-impact theoretical and applied research:
- Develop, refine, and implement advanced physics-based models for fission gas behavior and fuel microstructural evolution.
- Conduct sensitivity studies, uncertainty quantification, and validation exercises using experimental test data.
- Collaborate actively with national and international research groups, contributing to European and global nuclear research programs.
- Present research outcomes at leading international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Support the mentoring of master’s and doctoral students within the research group.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents via the online application system:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Personal Cover Letter stating research interests and motivation.
- Complete Transcript of Records and University Degree Certificates.
- Proof of professional qualifications or specialized training certificates (if applicable).
- Letters of reference or contact details for at least two academic referees.
- Official proof of recognized disability status (if applicable under German SGB IX).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official Forschungszentrum Jülich recruitment portal. Hard-copy or email submissions are not accepted.
- Navigate to the official Jülich application portal via the link below.
- Accept the mandatory data protection information.
- Complete personal contact details and background information.
- Upload your consolidated application documents (Cover letter, CV, degree certificates, and references).
- Submit your application.
Last Date to Apply
Open until filled. Screening of applications will commence immediately and will proceed until the position is successfully staffed. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Apply Link
Access the official application form and submit your candidacy here:
Apply Online – Postdoc in Nuclear Fuel Performance at FZ Jülich
