PhD Student: Experimental Analysis of Sorption Kinetics for Radionuclides on Sheet Silicates Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in Germany

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) is a leading research institution in Germany, renowned for its innovative work in the fields of energy, health, and matter. With a diverse team of over 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations, HZDR is dedicated to addressing major societal challenges through scientific excellence. The Institute of Resource Ecology at HZDR focuses on protecting humans and the environment from hazards associated with pollutants generated by energy and raw material production processes.

The Department of Reactive Transport is currently seeking a motivated PhD student to join a project on the experimental analysis of sorption kinetics for radionuclides on sheet silicates. This research is crucial for understanding colloid-borne transport processes, which significantly influence the migration behavior of radionuclides in the environment. The successful candidate will investigate the kinetics of radionuclide interactions with colloids and solid rock, using temporally and spatially resolved radiotracer studies. The primary aim is to elucidate and quantify adsorption and desorption kinetics on sheet silicates, thereby contributing to the scientific foundation for safety assessments of final disposal concepts regarding radionuclide retention.

This doctoral project is part of a joint initiative funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and includes participation in an interdisciplinary graduate school. The position offers a structured PhD program with comprehensive training and networking opportunities. In the second year, there is an option to increase working hours to 75%. Recruitment is subject to final approval by the project sponsor.

Key responsibilities include designing and conducting radiotracer experiments in colloidal and coarse-particle adsorption systems, performing spatially resolved surface analysis using interference microscopy and autoradiography, deriving and parameterizing mechanisms, collaborating with interdisciplinary project partners, and disseminating research findings through publications and presentations.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Earth sciences, or a related discipline, with experience in experimental work and instrumental analytics. Familiarity with elemental and colloid analytics, as well as microscopy, is advantageous. Candidates must be prepared to handle open radioactive materials in a controlled laboratory setting, demonstrate meticulous working habits, personal commitment, motivation, and self-discipline, and possess strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

HZDR offers a vibrant research community, scientific excellence, and extensive professional networking. The position provides salary and social benefits in accordance with the TVöD-Bund collective agreement, including 30 days of paid holiday, a company pension scheme (VBL), employer subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket, flexible working hours, part-time employment options, mobile working, company health management, and employee discounts.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application documents (cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.) via the HZDR online application system. The application window is open until December 31, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the provided links.