Your tasks

You will study the water diffusion in porous clay systems by different experimental methods and computer simulations. By quasi-elastic neutron scattering measurements (performed at PSI and other international large scale facilities) and molecular dynamics simulation you will investigate atomic scale motions. You will perform tracer through-diffusion experiments to measure the diffusion at macroscopic scales. The combination of these techniques - applied on samples with different degree of compaction - allows to distinguish between chemical and geometrical effects. The results will enhance our basic understanding of diffusion processes in narrow confinements; they are also relevant in the context of radioactive waste management, where diffusion in clays is an important process.

Your profile

You have a diploma or master's degree in Physics, Chemistry or a closely related discipline. You have good computer skills and talent for experimental work. You enjoy working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Written and spoken English are required, German is an advantage. The PhD program belongs to the University of Berne, Institute of Geological Sciences. The working place is at Paul Scherrer Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland.

To apply: Qualified candidates are requested to submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, copies of diplomas, list of publications and addresses of three references.

For further information please get in touch with:
Contact Line: Dr Fanni Juranyi, Phone +41 (0)56 310 3176, fanni.juranyi@psi.ch

Please submit your application to: Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources, Thomas Erb, ref. code 3302, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland, thomas.erb@psi.ch

The Paul Scherrer Institute is a centre for multi-disciplinary research and one of the world’s leading user laboratories. With its 1300 employees it belongs as an autonomous institution to the Swiss ETH domain and concentrates its activities on solid-state research and materials sciences, elementary particle physics, energy and environmental research as well as biology and medicine.