Scientific aim

The project aims at assessing the response of the MSR structural materials to simultaneous ion-irradiation and salt-corrosion at high temperatures. During the next 2 years, the Post-Doc will first test the new experimental setup DICE and then perform simultaneous ion-irradiation and salt-corrosion of the samples followed by post-mortem characterization. The aim is to gain predictive capabilities into materials’ lifetime under MSR environment. The candidate will have the opportunity to present some of the results at national and international conferences.

Responsibilities and tasks
The proposed research is perfectly aligned to the current strategy at DIFFER, focused on fundamental research on novel materials, processes, and devices for energy conversion. The tasks encompass:

• Literature review
• Testing DICE experimental setup and SOP development
• Sample preparation, simultaneous ion-irradiation & salt-corrosion
• Material characterization for irradiation-corrosion effects
• Collaborative research with travel
• Peer-reviewed article publication
• Participation in conferences

We seek an outstanding candidate that is willing to work in an international team of physicists and chemists. The candidate should have a recent Ph.D. degree in physics/chemistry/nuclear materials or a related field. Knowledge of nuclear materials, corrosion processes and material characterization techniques (like SEM & TEM suit, IBA, XPS, etc.) is considered a plus. We favor candidates with corrosion experience. Along scientific skills, strong teamwork and communication in English are required.

This position is for 0,8 - 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years and is graded in pay scale 10. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion – as a clean source of energy.