PhD scholarship in Radioanalytical Chemistry - DTU Sustain

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join our research team. 

If you are establishing your career as a scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain) is looking for a PhD student in radiochemical analysis of radionuclides in the environment and radioactive waste for assessing environmental risk, characterization of waste and tracing environmental processes. You will work in the laboratory of radioecology and tracer studies in the Section of Waste, Climate and Monitoring, located at the beautiful Risø Campus just north of Roskilde.

By joining the research team at Radioecology and Tracer Studies (RTS) research group, you will become part of a collective effort aimed at methodology development for difficult-to-measure radionuclides in the environment and radioactive waste samples using advanced materials and measurement techniques. You will have the opportunity to learn outstanding techniques taught only at very few places in the world, to carry out pioneer work on the transition to cleaner and safer energy in Europe, as well as becoming part of a work team at the highest international level.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You are highly motivated and self-driven in what you do. You like hands-on laboratory work, easily grasp new analytical and experimental techniques. You enjoy learning new things and like seeking connections between different topics. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and are unafraid to ask questions. 

As a PhD student in this project, you will engage in: 

1. Develop radiochemical procedures for separation of difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn, 107Pd, 147Pm, 151Sm) from environmental samples (e.g. seawater, sediment, soil) and radioactive waste samples (e.g., spent resin, steel, concrete)
2. Develop and optimize radiometric methods for measurement of radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn, 107Pd, 147Pm), focusing on novel triple-to-double coincidence ratio method of liquid scintillation counting (TDCR-LSC).
3. Develop and optimize mass spectrometry methods for measurement of radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn, 107Pd, 151Sm) focusing on advanced ICP-MS techniques
4. Close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
5. Research and teaching efforts at a section and departmental level as appropriate and relevant
6. Dissemination of your research through publications and attendance to conferences

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Applicants must have a bachelor and/or master’s degree in chemistry or environmental science with education background and professional experience within one or more of the following fields:

• Radioanalytical chemistry
• Measurement techniques for radionuclides (alpha, beta, gamma, liquid scintillation counter, ICP-MS) and applications
• Nuclear and radiochemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Radiation protection
• Environmental science

Having hands-on experiences in method development for analysis of difficult-to-measure radionuclides is an advantage.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be led by Professor Jixin Qiao. Preliminary interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the deadline.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. It is a full-time position, starting 1 September 2025 (or according to mutual agreement).