T352-2024 - Research Assisstant /PhD student (all genders) - Scientific Peace and Conflict Research in Nuclear Non-Proliferation

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The research of our junior research group in the Department of Physics deals with nuclear topics within the framework of scientific-technical peace and conflict research, in particular with safeguards and verification technology for nuclear fissile material.

In the nuSENTRY project, we are investigating technologies and concepts for monitoring new reactor technologies and concepts. In order to embed this research in application, we also attach particular importance to interdisciplinary exchange and close cooperation with experts from the fields of nuclear technology and social and political sciences, including the PRIF (Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research).

The main research tasks of the centre are numerical simulations of nuclear reactors and particle detectors in order to determine how the emissions from nuclear reactors can be used to monitor fissile material. Of particular interest is the monitoring of compact reactors, such as ship reactors in submarines. Antineutrino and neutron emissions as well as interactions with cosmic muons are of particular interest here.

In addition, cooperation with other peace and conflict researchers in the project is planned in order to not only understand the technical suitability of these technologies, but also to investigate political acceptance and identify ways of successfully embedding new monitoring and verification technologies.

As a prerequisite we expect:

• a university science degree (M.Sc. / Diploma) in the field of physics with a good degree (or a degree proven by the recruitment date)
• Basic knowledge of programming, ideally Python
• Interest in the field of nuclear peace and conflict research, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation with the social and political science
• Good communication skills in English (oral and written)

Desirable and advantageous:

• Experience in programming, especially Python and/or C++
• Knowledge in the field of numerical simulations

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Yan-Jie Schnellbach on yan-jie.schnellbach@prif.org .