Jobbeschreibung
Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe's biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
The Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management – Nuclear Waste Management (IFN-2) aims to advance the understanding of complex processes governing the evolution of deep geological repositories for radioactive wastes. Our work focuses on the tightly coupled thermo-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical-biological (THMCB) processes that drive radionuclide release and transport over time and space. By integrating innovative experimental and computational methods, including AI tools, we generate insights into the evolution of flow and transport processes in the repository system across scales, striving to reduce uncertainties and conservatism in safety assessments. Our research supports the scientific foundation needed for a rigorous evaluation of repository concepts and sites, contributing to safe and sustainable solutions for radioactive waste management.
We are offering a
PhD Position – Investigating the Incorporation of 226Ra into Calcium Carbonate
About the project: Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is crucial in both natural and engineered environments, acting as a long-term carbon sink and aiding environmental remediation by capturing heavy metals and radionuclides. (Radio)Toxic elements like radium (226Ra) pose significant risks, often stemming from subsurface energy-related applications. 226Ra can be incorporated into carbonate minerals during mineral growth or replacement reactions, resulting in solid solutions. These co-precipitation processes can control radium mobility in the environment and can be exploited in the design of engineered barriers for 226Ra retention. However, there is a lack of understanding of how such ions are incorporated into stable carbonate solid solutions. This project aims to integrate experiments and simulations to elucidate 226Ra retention by CaCO3, the crystallization pathways and replacement reactions, and the thermodynamic properties of the formed solid solutions. Our approach involves the development of microfluidic experiments combined with advanced analytical techniques. The results will inform environmental remediation strategies and safe nuclear waste disposal.
Your tasks within the project:
- Development of microfluidic experiments for 226Ra uptake in carbonates
- Conducting advanced analyses of Ra-bearing carbonates using Raman, XRD, SEM, including synchrotron-based X-ray analysis (µ-XRF and µ-XRD)
- Modeling of fluid flow in microfluidic reactors
- Collaboration with modelers (atomistic simulation) to derive the thermodynamic properties of Ra-bearing carbonates
- Presentation of results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications
- Master's degree or diploma in chemistry, radiochemistry, environmental chemistry, geochemistry, chemical engineering, mineralogy, or a related field
- Experience in working in a wet chemical laboratory
- Experience in geochemical or thermodynamic modeling is desirable
- Strong English communication and writing skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international team
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the opportunity to actively help in shaping change! Here is what Forschungszentrum Jülich can offer you:
- A unique opportunity to work on high-impact research in nuclear waste management
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary collaborations
- Opportunity to develop your strengths, e.g., through a comprehensive training program; a structured program including continuing professional development and networking opportunities specifically designed for Jülich's doctoral researchers by the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors (JuDocS): go.fzj.de/JuDocs
- Very good conditions for reconciling work and family life and a family-friendly company policy
- The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g., in a home office in coordination with the supervisor and in line with required presence times
- 30 days of annual leave (depending on the working time model chosen) and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service
Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, is available at fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.
In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits.
The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, is available at fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.
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