PhD scholarship in Radioanalytical Chemistry - DTU Sustain

Radiochemical analysis for difficult-to- measure radionuclides is highly demanded in many nuclear research disciplines including environmental monitoring, emergency preparedness, nuclear decommissioning, radioecology and tracer studies, yet acquiring specific expertise and work experience. Here is your chance to get ahead of the competition and kick-start a career in radioanalytical chemistry!
We are seeking a PhD candidate to join our research team.

If you are establishing your career as a scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you. The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain) is looking for a PhD student in radiochemical analysis of radionuclides in the environment and radioactive waste for assessing environmental risk, characterization of waste and tracing environmental processes. You will work in the laboratory of radioecology and tracer studies in the Section of Waste, Climate and Monitoring, located at the beautiful Risø Campus just north of Roskilde.

By joining the research team at Radioecology and Tracer Studies (RTS) research group, you will become part of a collective effort aimed at methodology development for difficult-to-measure radionuclides in the environment and radioactive waste samples using advanced materials and measurement techniques. You will have the opportunity to learn outstanding techniques taught only at very few places in the world, to carry out pioneer work on the transition to cleaner and safer energy in Europe, as well as becoming part of a work team at the highest international level.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You are highly motivated and self-driven in what you do. You like hands-on laboratory work, easily grasp new analytical and experimental techniques. You enjoy learning new things and like seeking connections between different topics. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and are unafraid to ask questions.

As a PhD student in this project, you will engage in:

• Develop radiochemical procedures for separation of difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn, 107Pd, 147Pm, 151Sm) from environmental samples (e.g. seawater, sediment, soil) and radioactive waste samples (e.g., spent resin, steel, concrete)
• Develop and optimize radiometric methods for measurement of radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn, 107Pd, 147Pm), focusing on novel triple-to-double coincidence ratio method of liquid scintillation counting (TDCR-LSC).
• Develop and optimize mass spectrometry methods for measurement of radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc, 126Sn, 107Pd, 151Sm) focusing on advanced ICP-MS techniques
• Close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Research and teaching efforts at a section and departmental level as appropriate and relevant
• Dissemination of your research through publications and attendance to conferences

Applicants must have a bachelor and/or master’s degree in chemistry or environmental science with education background and professional experience within one or more of the following fields:

• Radioanalytical chemistry
• Measurement techniques for radionuclides (alpha, beta, gamma, liquid scintillation counter, ICP-MS) and applications
• Nuclear and radiochemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Radiation protection
• Environmental science

Having hands-on experiences in method development for analysis of difficult-to-measure radionuclides is an advantage.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be led by Professor Jixin Qiao. Preliminary interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the deadline.

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 3 years. It is a full-time position, starting 1 September 2025 (or according to mutual agreement).

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Jixin Qiao (email: jiqi@dtu.dk, ph: 45 46775367). Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, only online applications as described below will be considered.

You can read more about DTU Sustain at www.sustain.dtu.dk/en

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 11 May 2025 (23:59 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
• A research proposal detailing a plan for the development of an analytical method for difficult-to-measure radionuclides (e.g., 99Tc)

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

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, 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.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

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.

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