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 matter and materials, energy and environment and human health. 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 2100 people.

For the Radiation Transport and Multiphysics Group we are looking for a                   

Physicist or Nuclear Engineer

Your tasks

Your tasks will include performing Monte Carlo particle transport simulations supporting the operation of the PSI High Intensity Proton Accelerator Facility (HIPA), the spallation neutron sources SINQ and UCN as well as simulations for current and future development and upgrade projects such as SwissFEL, SLS 2.0 and SINQ upgrade. Where possible you will validate the simulated results (e.g. neutron spectra, nuclide inventory, dose rates, energy deposition) with measurements. It is expected that you actively participate in such experiments and at times even initiate them. Moreover, you will play an active role in the development of detector systems such as a Bonner Sphere System (BSS) used for measuring neutron fields in the vicinity of accelerators. Moreover, you will provide engineering and physics support for shielding layout, the design of accelerator components, isotope production targets and the optimization of HIPA as well as the PSI spallation neutron sources, for instance for target and moderator development. Your main production tools will be complex state-of-the-art particle transport codes MCNP 6.1 and/or MCNPX 2.7.0 and you will tailor the source codes for the needs of our applications. You will present your results at internal and international expert meetings.

Your profile

You are a nuclear engineer or a nuclear/particle physicist with a PhD degree, who has skills in programming and a good background of nuclear physics. In addition, you are well experienced in radiation transport calculations, a user license of MCNP 6.1 or MCNPX 2.7.0 is mandatory and you have profound knowledge of associated variance reduction techniques. Ideally you have experience in the development of radiation transport codes; good knowledge of Fortran, C, Python and Perl are of advantage. Moreover you are able to work self-motivated and time efficient in small expert groups as well as in international and multidisciplinary teams towards solving given tasks. It is expected that you are a well-balanced person, communicative, innovative and open-minded for new ideas. You have a good command in written and spoken English and ideally you also are able to speak and write German.

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 Dr Michael Wohlmuther, phone +41 56 310 30 52. Please submit your application online (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Physicist or Nuclear Engineer (index no. 8142-00).

Paul Scherrer Institut Human Resources Management, Nicole Fricker, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland