Postdoc in Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science for the Development of Molten Salt Reactor Technology

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Are you pursuing a scientific career in physics, chemistry or materials science, aiming at making substantial contributions towards sustainable nuclear energy technology? Here is the chance to fulfill your dreams in a cross-disciplinary setting.

At the Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology, we strive to develop next generation of nuclear energy technology. The Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), operating at low pressure and high temperature, hold promises of economic and sustainable energy supply, including flexible fuel cycles and versatile heat applications. With the project "cross-disciplinary R&D of molten salt reactors" we address key challenges in MSR technology development: the characterization of complex fuel salt-material interactions and the development of multiphysics simulation tools to establish the safety case for MSRs.

We offer three postdoctoral studies: 1) development of multiphysics coupling schemes, 2) atomistic and thermodynamic modeling of salt properties, and 3) experimental investigations of corrosion processes. The project is anchored at the Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology; it involves research from four departments, and we aim for close interaction between the postdoc studies. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

Postdoc 1

MSRs are characterized by multiphase flow, where bubble formation may lead to the removal of volatile or insoluble elements from the fuel salt and may impact the thermal-hydraulic flow pattern, heat exchange, and causing reactivity changes. In this project, we will employ neutronics and thermal-hydraulics modelling by Monte Carlo and/or deterministic codes to assess the impact of voiding in MSR transients. The project is carried out in close collaboration with European partners. 

The workplace is DTU Risø Campus (Roskilde).

Postdoc 2

In this project, we will employ computational chemistry and thermodynamics to model molten salts and complex phenomena such as the solvation behavior of fission, activation, and corrosion products in molten salts. Experience is required with atomistic ab initio and classical MD simulations (e.g., cp2k, LAMMPS, VASP, MetalWalls), applied to molten salts and actinide-containing systems such as uranium, and with the CALPHAD thermodynamics approach (e.g., FactSage, Thermochimica, Thermo-Calc) for multicomponent molten salt systems. Knowledge of machine-learning potentials applied to molten salt simulations is an advantage. 

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

Postdoc 3

In this project, we will investigate corrosion of materials exposed to MSR fuel salts. We will establish and perform immersion tests and electrochemical investigations (LPR, CYV, EIS) using molten salt corrosion setups and perform materials characterization using techniques such as LOM, SEM/EDS and XRD. Previous laboratory experience and experience with materials characterization is an advantage. 

The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus.

Qualifications:

• You must have completed a PhD study within physics, chemistry or materials science, and with the incentive to perform interdisciplinary research
• Experience with physics and/or chemical modelling 
• The ability to work in an international and cross-disciplinary team
• Preferably practical experience in laboratory work, for postdoc #3 

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Bent Lauritzen ), Klaus B. Møller ), and John Hald ).

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 2 years. Starting date is 1 January 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The positions are full-time positions.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Bent Lauritzen ), Klaus B Møller ), or John Hald ).

You can read more about at Nuclear Energy DTU, at www.nuclear-, and the involved departments at , , , and  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup "Zoom" seminar" for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 December :59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your PhD degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology brings together the academic environments at DTU, engaged in nuclear power technology. The Centre aims to strengthen research in nuclear energy, to expand nuclear education, and to strengthen collaboration with academia and companies working on nuclear energy innovation.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.