PhD Student in radiochemistry
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
The Heavy Elements group at PSI and ETH Zürich, as part of the Laboratory of Radiochemistry, targets the chemical properties of the most exotic members in the periodic table, namely the so-called superheavy elements, SHEs (atomic numbers Z = 104 and higher). While having primarily focused on gas-adsorption chromatography studies, the group has begun to explore liquid-phase experiments. This has recently led to an international collaboration between the Heavy Elements group, the Czech Technical University (CTU), and the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry in Prague, Czech Republic. In the joint project ELCHOR (ELectroChemistry with HOmologs of Rg), we strive toward first-ever chemistry experiments with roentgenium (Rg, Z = 111).
For the Heavy Elements group, we are looking for a
Your tasks
The candidate will develop and test a flow electrolytic cell for experiments with radioisotopes of the lighter homologs of Rg (i.e., Ag and Au) under carrier-free / non-carrier-added conditions. These experiments will be conducted using the SINQ gas-jet facility at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source SINQ at PSI as well as with shorter-lived radionuclides produced at the U-120M cyclotron of the Nuclear Physics Institute in Řež, Czech Republic. These preparatory steps will ultimately lead to a setup for final online experiments at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, USA. To proof the applicability to SHEs, these experiments will be carried out with short-lived, α-emitting radioisotopes of Au. The candidate will work mainly at PSI, while being enrolled in the doctoral study program of ETH Zürich. The latter entails teaching duties at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. Obtained results will be disseminated by the candidate at (inter)national workshops and conferences as well as in peer-reviewed, open-access journals.
Your profile
The set of qualifications we are looking for includes a highly motivated candidate who enjoys working experimentally in an interdisciplinary team and is eager to take on a new and challenging topic. A prerequisite is a master\'s degree in physical or inorganic chemistry (or comparable). While basic knowledge of radiochemistry and/or nuclear physics is preferred, it is not required. To integrate well into our international group/laboratory and collaborate seamlessly with our international partners, strong English skills are essential.
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Patrick Steinegger, phone +41 56 310 44 89.
Please submit your application online by 15November 2025 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 4701-00).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Pascale Bärtschi, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
www.psi.ch
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