PhD Fellowship in Nuclear Reactor Modelling

A position as PhD fellow in Nuclear Reactor Modelling is available at Norwegian Nuclear Research Center, NNRC. The position is affiliated to the Institute of Energy Technology and the work will be conducted at IFE NUK Kjeller, at the University of Oslo (UiO) and IFE Energy that is the R&D division of Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Kjeller.
The NNRC is a collaborative effort between IFE, UIO, and NMBU to increase Norwegian competence and research capacity within the nuclear sciences. One of the research themes in the NNRC is the reactor modelling to contribute to the safe decommissioning of the JEEP II reactor at Kjeller. This research theme is interdisciplinary, involving nuclear physics, engineering and nuclear chemistry.

IFE’s Tracer Technology Department has since the 1980s developed tracer technology for various industrial applications. A part of the group’s activity is the production of radionuclides and their chemical separation and purification. UIO’s Nuclear Physics group has a background in the medical applications of nuclear physics, having hosted several student projects focused on novel production pathways for medically relevant radionuclides. The fundamental nuclear-physics expertise of this group provides strong research support for the student.

The nuclear research facilities at IFE are to be decommissioned. To achieve this safely, responsibly, and efficiently, it is essential to develop advanced models that provide accurate knowledge of radiological conditions within the facilities. Understanding radionuclide distributions, activity levels, and radiation interactions in the various structures is crucial for optimizing radioactive waste management, radiation protection, and minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, these models play a key role in assessing potential radiological hazards associated with decommissioned materials over time.

This PhD project will focus on developing an advanced, physics-based 3D digital twin model of the JEEP II reactor at IFE NUK Kjeller. The project will integrate SCALE-based reactor simulations with IFE’s 3D radiation and scenario simulation platforms, enabling innovative modelling approaches that enhance safety, efficiency, and transparency in nuclear decommissioning and waste management. The model will be used to simulate reactor operations throughout its lifetime, analyse neutron flux distributions, and predict the activation of structural materials. Additionally, AI-driven modelling techniques may be explored to further improve predictive capabilities and data analysis.
To validate the models and enhance accuracy, simulated results will be compared against physical measurements. Sample collection and analysis will be guided by model predictions, supporting detailed characterization of material composition and radionuclide inventories. The research will contribute to the development of innovative digital methodologies that advance the state-of-the-art in nuclear reactor modelling, supporting safer and more sustainable decommissioning processes.

The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team engaged in nuclear decommissioning and characterization efforts at IFE. Collaboration with experimental teams at IFE Energy and IFE NUK Kjeller is expected.

Research topics

• Reactor simulations
• Neutron activation
• Fuel depletion
• Modelling approaches
• Sample measurements
• Radiation protection
• Radioactive waste management
  The candidate is also expected to:
  Collaborate with the NNRC team to define technical research topics under Research Area 3.
  Engage in NNRC activities, including networking, mentoring students, and may provide partial support to teaching.
  Present research findings at national and international conferences to enhance visibility and expand the professional network

Qualifications 

Required:
Master’s degree or equivalent, with specialization in reactor physics or nuclear physics.
Solid background in scientific programming.
Security clearance or eligibility for security clearance.
Proficiency in English and/or one of the Scandinavian languages Norwegian, Danish, or Swedish.
Desired:
Experience with the SCALE software package, particularly the modules KENO-VI, MAVRIC, and ORIGEN.
Experience with reactor simulations, depletion calculations, and activation calculations.
Familiarity with characterization of material compositions and common neutron activation products.
Proficiency in Norwegian.  

Personal Qualities

We are looking for an enthusiastic, forthcoming person who enjoys working as part of a team.
Proactive with a high degree of initiative, creativity, and curiosity.
The candidate should be highly independent, whilst also being able to work under the guidance of the project supervisors.
The candidate should be comfortable with handling responsibility within this project.
Although the position has a fundamental modelling nature, high awareness towards Health Safety Environment and Radiation protection regulations compliance is strongly expected.

We offer

IFE offers a high skill job in a motivating and multidisciplinary work environment and a wide international network.
Workplace will be at IFE NUK Kjeller.
Working experience in a decommissioning project.
Salary: Corresponding to Norwegian Research Council rates during the PhD period.
Membership is established in the collective-group life-/accident insurance and in pension scheme.

How to apply

The application must include:

• A cover letter stating your motivation, research interests and scientific background.
• A detailed CV.
• Name and contact details of 2 – 3 references (name, e-mail address, telephone number, and relation to candidate)

 
The application with all attachments must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian Language. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university’s grading system.

We view diversity as a strength in our work. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and ethnic background. We place great emphasis on your personal suitability for the position.

IFE is subject to the Security Act, which includes requirements for the organisation’s management of critical national information, as well as other relevant legislation concerning the management of sensitive information. The successful applicant for the position advertised will have access to classified information and critical national objects and infrastructure. In order to meet the qualification criteria, the applicant must therefore meet the security clearance and/or authorisation requirements. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.

Kontaktinformasjon

Georgios Kalantzopoulos, Department Head, 41335172, georgios.kalantzopoulos@ife.no
Sunniva Siem, Professor, Head of the Nuclear Physics group, sunniva.siem@fys.uio.no
Istvan Szöke, Applied Physics Department Head, IFE Halden, NNRC Research Theme 3 leader., 45498721, istvan.szoke@ife.no
Tomas Kvalheim Eriksen, Researcher, IFE NUK Kjeller., tomas.eriksen@ife.no

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE)

Referansenr.: 4966648680
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Seasonal
Søknadsfrist: 31.05.2025