Chemist (f/m/d), specialization in radiochemistry or geochemistry
75% part time

Organizational unit

Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE)

Job description

The PhD is conducted in the frame of a collaborative project with several German universities and research institutions. Your area of responsibility essentially includes:

• Investigation of the influence of sulfide and silicate on the redox chemistry of Tc by oversaturation experiments with Tc(VII) in the presence of various reducing chemicals
• Comparison of the test results with thermodynamic calculations for silicate- and sulfide-free systems
• Conducting undersaturation solubility experiments with well-defined TcO2 solid phase
• Definition of reducing conditions using redox chemicals (Sn(II) and Na₂S₂O₄)
• Conducting undersaturation solubility experiments with technetium in the presence of silicate
• Synthesis of Tc(IV) sulfide solid phases with a defined structure
• Conducting sorption experiments with Tc(IV) with Fe(II)-containing silicate solid phases under reducing conditions using Ar boxes with a protective gas atmosphere, and including the systematic variation of key parameters
• Analysis of the sorption experiments using spectroscopic methods and deriving information on the reaction mechanisms at the molecular level
• Publication of the results in international scientific journals and presentation of the results at conferences.

Starting date

01.04.2025

Personal qualification

• University degree (Master) in chemistry, radiochemistry or geochemistry
• Good knowledge of radiochemistry and inorganic chemistry
• Basic knowledge of analytical and spectroscopic standard methods
• Basics of thermodynamics
• Experience in working with glove boxes and in handling open radioactive materials
• Knowledge on final disposal safety research
• Good written and spoken English skills
• High level of self-motivation, strong communication skills, ability to work in a team.