PhD-Position – Untersuchung der Incorporation von 226Ra in Calciumcarbonat

PhD Position – Investigating the incorporation of 226Ra into calcium carbonate

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.

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Your Job:

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
• Conduct advanced analyses of Ra-bearing carbonates using Raman, XRD, SEM including synchrotron-based X-ray analysis (µ-XRF and µ-XRD)
• Modelling 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

Your Profile:

• 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 modelling is desirable
• Strong English communication and writing skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international team

Our Offer:

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 programme; a structured programme including continuing professional development and networking opportunities specifically designed for Jülich’s doctoral researchers by the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors (JuDocS): https://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: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay 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: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.