PhD Fellowship in Environmental Radiochemistry

A position as PhD fellow in Environmental Radiochemistry is available at the Institute of Energy Technology (IFE) and the work will be conducted at the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Ås (Norway).

The Institute of Energy Technology (IFE) is an independent research foundation in Norway, with locations in Kjeller and Halden. We are an internationally leading research environment that actively develops innovative solutions through people and technology. We operate under the mission “Research for a better future”. IFE is a broad interdisciplinary research organization with top-level international expertise in environmental technology, radiopharmaceutical technology and nuclear technology and safety, as well as digital technologies, material and process technology, flow and analysis technology.

The Department of Environmental Safety and Radiation Protection (MIST) carries out analyses of radioactive substances in various types of sample materials (environmental samples, food and other commercial products) and has laboratories and measuring equipment for the analysis of samples with very small amounts of radioactivity. The department is one of Norway's largest in this field and is a qualified member of the IAEA's ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) network. To be a qualified member here, the laboratory must participate with good results in so-called ALMERA proficiency tests organized by the IAEA.

The Tracer Technology Department was established in 1980s and has been pioneer in research and development (R&D) of tracer technology. We performed the first injection of radioactive tracers in the Norwegian continental shelf (Ekofisk) in 1986. Today, we have extended our R&D competence and know-how on tracers for Oil & Gas Industry, tracers for geothermal applications, environmental monitoring, circular economy and applied nuclear technology. We have been active in the development of radionuclides for the pharmaceutical industry, and we are hosting a national infrastructure project.

IFE is part of the Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC). The NNRC is a collaborative effort between IFE, University of Oslo (UiO), and NMBU to increase Norwegian competence and research capacity within the nuclear sciences. The position will have thematic relevance to the research theme 5 (RT) that focuses on environmental chemistry of radionuclides, and it is expected to interact with the RT4 that focuses on radionuclide production and speciation.

At NMBU, the PhD candidate will be part of the Faculty for Environmental Sciences, which has leading international competence in the behaviour of radionuclides in the environment. The team consists of professors, researchers, and PhD students, with a large international network.

Job description

This PhD project will focus on transfer and mobility of artificial radionuclides (e.g. Pu, Cs-135, I-129, non-naturally occurring U isotopes) in contaminated environments. A special focus will be on site-specific factors that can alter radionuclide behavior, such as the cycling of redox-sensitive elements and microbially mediated processes in soils. The project integrates the radiochemical analysis with biogeochemical approaches, creating a state-of-the-art approach for understanding the mechanisms governing radionuclide mobility under environmentally relevant conditions. The project will also explore if any links in mobility exist between potential radionuclide contaminants and critical raw materials (e.g., rare earth elements) in the case of legacy waste sites. The completed project will increase the knowledge of radionuclide behavior under subarctic environments and contribute to improved practices within environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness. 

Qualification requirements

- The applicant must hold a master’s degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, geochemistry, microbiology, or other environmental sciences of relevance.
- Academic background relevant to environmental radiochemistry, radioecology, or radioactivity in the environment.
- Experience from hands-on laboratory work, especially with respect to radionuclide separation and/or DNA extraction and purification from environmental samples.

The following qualifications are considered desirable:
- Experience with modeling and/or programming (e.g., geochemical modeling, dispersion modeling)
- Practical skills in mass spectrometry and/or radiometric methods, previous work with radionuclides is advantageous but not essential.
- Familiarity with environmental impact assessments and tools.
- Experience with scientific publication.
- Practical experience in fieldwork with environmental samples
- Competence in statistics.
- Solid written and oral communication skills in English, including academic writing.

The applicant is made aware that an application for this PhD position is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the NMBU. Hence, applicants are advised to read the section Before applying| NMBU, with the NMBU PhD Regulations, the relevant MINA PhD programme description and requirements for documentation of English proficiency. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met should be uploaded with the application.

Personal qualities

• Motivated and engaging person within the professional area and towards the colleagues.
• 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.
• Strong awareness towards Health Safety Environment and Radiation protection regulations compliance.

We offer

IFE offers competitive salary, pension and insurance schemes, but above all we offer an opportunity for personal development that few others can offer. The position entails a opportunity to influence your development to become part of a larger community of specialists. You will be working in an interdisciplinary, international environment. You will be part of a stimulating work environment with skillful, experienced, and creative colleagues. Be able to come in contact with well-established national and international scientific and industrial networks

How to apply
The application must include:
• A cover letter stating your motivation, research interests and scientific background.
• A detailed CV.
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
• 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.

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. On this basis, it is a prerequisite for employment that the applicant is suitable from a security perspective. Note that relevant applicants will be asked questions that are necessary to ascertain this. This includes questions about any ties to countries that the PST has classified as a ‘high-risk country’ in its open threat assessment. Background checks are performed as part of our recruitment process.

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.

Kontaktinformasjon

Deborah Oughton, Professor in Nuclear Chemistry/Environmental Chemistry at NMBU, deborah.oughton@nmbu.no
Cato Christian Szacinski Wendel, Researcher, Environmental Safety and Radiation Protection Department, IFE., Cato.Wendel@ife.no
Niroshan Gajendra , Researcher, Tracer Technology Department, IFE., Niroshan.Gajendra@ife.no
Ingrid Helen Hauge, Department Head, Environmental Safety and Radiation Protection, IFE, Ingrid.Hauge@ife.no

Arbeidssted

Instituttveien 18
2007 Kjeller

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE)

Referansenr.: 5134401754
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Seasonal
Startdato: 14.09.2026
Sluttdato: 13.09.2029
Søknadsfrist: 15.08.2026