PhD Student (f/m/d) Investigating the long-term behaviour of high-burnup spent nuclear fuel during extended interim storage - 2026/104

With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

The Institute for Resource Ecology (IRE) conducts applied basic research into the protection of people and the environment from the effects of radioactive radiation.

The Department of Synchrotron Science is looking for a PhD Student (f/m/d) Investigating the long-term behaviour of high-burnup spent nuclear fuel during extended interim storage.

The successful candidate will join the collaborative ATLAS project, investigating the long-term behaviour of high-burnup spent nuclear fuel during extended interim storage. The project combines advanced materials synthesis, ion irradiation, synchrotron characterization, and multiscale modelling to improve the scientific basis for nuclear fuel safety assessments. You will investigate radiation damage and fission gas effects in UO₂-based model materials using synchrotron x-ray techniques at ROBL. Recruitment is subject to final approval by the project sponsor.

Your tasks

• Performing synchrotron-based experiments at ROBL (ESRF) using X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectroscopy, and complementary techniques
• Fabrication and characterization of UO₂-based thin film samples in collaboration with the University of Bristol (UK)
• Planning and conducting ion irradiation and post-irradiation synchrotron characterisation experiments
• Investigating Xe and Kr implantation, defect evolution, swelling, and oxidation-state changes in UO₂-based thin films and model materials
• Analysing experimental data and correlating structural changes with radiation damage mechanisms
• Presenting research results at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Working within a consortium of leading German research institutes

Your profile

• Completed university studies (Master) in the field of Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in synchrotron radiation techniques and/or nuclear materials and/or actinide oxides
• Experience with one or more of the following three techniques is advantageous: X-ray diffraction or X-ray spectroscopy, Thin-film synthesis, Synchrotron experiments
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities
• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team
• Proven programming skills (by relevant publications as a first/corresponding author)
• Proficiency in English, as it is the working language at the ESRF

Our offer

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities - more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
• Depending on the personal qualifications, the candidate may be classified in salary group 13 according to TVöD-Bund
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Numerous company health management offerings
• Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits