PhD in Circular and Nature-Based Innovations for Stabilizing Radiological Contamination in Soil Belgian Nuclear Research Centre in Belgium

The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on developing circular and nature-based innovations for stabilizing radiological contamination in soil. This research opportunity is part of the SCK CEN Academy for Nuclear Science and Technology, located in Mol, Belgium. The project addresses the pressing environmental challenge of managing nuclear legacy and NORM-contaminated sites, where traditional remediation methods often result in high costs and large volumes of radioactive waste.

The PhD research aims to advance sustainable remediation strategies by integrating plant–microbe interactions with circular soil amendments, specifically utilizing industrial by-products such as phosphogypsum residues and biochar. The candidate will conduct laboratory assays, microcosm experiments, and semi-field validations to investigate the leachability, retention, and bioavailability of radionuclides in contaminated soils. Mechanistic tests on spiked soils will supplement these studies, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the biotic and geochemical processes that stabilize radionuclides under realistic conditions.

A key innovation of the project is the use of waste products as remediation tools, demonstrating the potential for circular economy principles in environmental management. Experimental data will be integrated into a simplified first order soil–vegetation–atmosphere (SVAT) model, allowing for the prediction of radionuclide stabilization dynamics over time. The multidisciplinary nature of the project combines environmental radioecology, biogeochemistry, and systems modelling within a sustainability framework, moving beyond conventional end-of-pipe solutions to propose in-situ, low-impact approaches for contaminated site management.

As a PhD researcher at SCK CEN, you will benefit from close cooperation with the academic sector and access to innovative facilities designed for nuclear experiments. The SCK CEN Academy offers excellent internal training courses and fosters knowledge exchange across diverse research areas. The expected outcome of the project will generate scientific insights into radionuclide behavior and mobility in soils, supporting recommendations for novel remediation strategies compared to traditional approaches.

Eligibility requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in industrial sciences, sciences, or engineering, with a background in bio-engineering, biology, or chemistry. Candidates must demonstrate excellent proficiency in English and a strong interest in multidisciplinary environmental research. The position is full-time, based in Mol, Belgium, and has an estimated duration of four years.

Applications should be submitted online via the SCK CEN website before the deadline of 31 March 2026. For further information, consult the PhD theses section of the SCK CEN website or contact the SCK CEN Academy at [email protected].