Nuclear Waste Chemist

About the position​ The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offerering a 3-year PhD position in Environmental Radiochemistry.  Knowledge of radionuclide behavior in the environment is fundamental for ensuring the safe management of radioactive waste and minimizing potential impacts on humans and the environment. This PhD project aims to improve our understanding of radionuclide transport in engineered and natural environments relevant for nuclear waste management and decommissioning. The project will focus on the processes controlling transport and retention of redox-sensitive, potentially mobile radionuclides. The successful candidate will combine laboratory investigations, radioanalytical techniques and numerical modelling to improve our understanding of radionuclide behaviour under relevant environmental conditions. The PhD position is funded through the Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC). Link: https://www.nnrc.uio.no/english/index.html The PhD candidate will be part of a dynamic and productive academic team with a strong international network covering radiochemistry, radioecology, environmental chemistry, nuclear waste management and environmental modelling. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to collaborate closely with NNRC partners and relevant international research groups.   The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment. Main tasks​ The main tasks of the PhD position are to:​ • Contribute towards improving the understanding of radionuclide transport processes in engineered and natural environments relevant for nuclear waste management with regard to both spatial and temporal evolution. • Investigate mechanisms controlling radionuclide retention and transport in cementitious and geological materials. • Assess the influence of geochemical conditions on radionuclide speciation, solubility and transport. • Contribute to the development and application of numerical models for radionuclide transport and long-term safety assessments.   The work will include:​ • Conducting laboratory experiments to characterize radionuclide interactions with engineered barrier materials and environmental matrices. • Performing radioanalytical measurements and chemical characterization of samples. • Applying and developing numerical transport and geochemical speciation models. • Evaluating radionuclide transport processes under conditions relevant for radioactive waste disposal. • Organization and analysis of data, writing scientific papers and dissemination of results through conferences and peer-reviewed publications. The successful candidate is expected to submit a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree within the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period. Competence​ To be eligible for the position, the candidate must meet the requirements for admission to one of the PhD programmes at NMBU, including the supplementary rules at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA). Admission to a PhD programme requires that the applicant has a relevant academic background; a master's degree or an equivalent qualification, in accordance with the descriptions in the national qualifications framework. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken. For more detailed information about the admission criteria, PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description. The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.   Required academic qualifications​ A relevant master's degree in: • Radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, geochemistry, physics or an other relevant field The following will be emphasized:​ • Knowledge in environmental radioactivity, geochemistry, radiochemistry or material science • Practical laboratory experience, including handling radioactive sources and radioanalytical techniques. • Experience with numerical modelling (e.g. PHREEQC or COMSOL) and/or with scientific programming (e.g. R, Python, MATLAB or similar) is an advantage. • Experience in working with cementitious materials is an advantage. • Competence in statistics and data analysis. These above-mentioned qualities are considered advantages but are not prerequisites for the position.​ Personal qualifications​ You need to have: • Strong motivation for PhD education and the research project. • Good social and collaboration skills. • Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams. • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and preferably a Scandinavian language • Dissemination skills and willingness to communicate research findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Remuneration and further information​ The position is placed in position code 1017 PhD Fellow, (NOK 550 800-660 000).  PhD candidates are normally placed at salary level NOK 550.800. This is a temporary position with a duration of 3 years. Seniority promotion in the position. Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for appointment to the PhD scholarship position. Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars. All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation. For further information, please contact Associate Professor Juuso Sammaljärvi​ E-mail: jusam0745@nmbu.no Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants.  Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus.  Application​ Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.  Application Deadline: 16.8.2026​ Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15. In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process. Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.   The following documents must be attached to the application: • Motivation letter • CV  • Certified copies of relevant academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached. • Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system. • Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with Forskrift for graden philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) ved Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet - Lovdata • Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included. Documents that cannot be sent electronically are sent in triplicate by ordinary mail marked still.nr. (26/06895) to NMBU, Faculty of Name, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within (16.8.2026).  About The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management​ The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) works with nature and the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, biological and geological processes. MINA’s employees undertake teaching, research and dissemination within the fields of geology, hydrology and limnology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, renewable energy, and nature-based tourism. Our vision is to be a key actor in knowledge production and dissemination, and our goal is to deliver research of high, international quality, and varied and excellent teaching. The faculty’s employees are significant participants within their respective fields of expertise, both nationally and internationally. The faculty is dominated by a vital research culture and high levels of scientific production. The faculty has about 200 employees, 90 PhD students and 650 students. Read more about MINA here.

Help operate one of Europe’s most advanced scientific facilities. The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. ESS will soon be the world’s most powerful source of neutrons, providing researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science. About the role: We are looking to build up our team of Operators to join our Remote Handling (RH) Group. The RH Group plays a key role in operating, maintaining, and developing the equipment used for transferring and processing radioactive components and waste within the ESS Active Cells Facility (our environment for handling radioactive components safely) using specialised Cask Assemblies. You will work with highly specialised remote handling systems, heavy lifting equipment, Virtual Reality-supported operations, and complex electromechanical systems in a unique radioactive waste handling and maintenance environment. If you enjoy complex technical challenges, hands-on engineering work, problem solving, and working with advanced equipment in a highly collaborative international environment, this role offers something genuinely different. What you’ll do: Our highly specialised remote handling systems are designed for environments where direct human access is impossible. As a Remote Handling Operator, you will help commission, prepare, operate, maintain, and develop the equipment used for transferring and processing radioactive components and waste - both manually and remotely - in one of the world’s most demanding engineering environments. You will work with: Telemanipulators and haptic robotic systems. Remotely operated cranes and lifting systems. Remote cutting and machining equipment. Radioactive waste management using specialised transport containers for handling radioactive waste. Camera-guided and VR-supported operations. Various complex electromechanical systems. Remote handling tooling and inspection devices. Day to day, you will: Provide technical support in preparing work procedures and risk assessments. Support commissioning, testing, maintenance, and rebuilding activities. Operate and maintain specialist remote handling equipment. Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electromechanical systems. Work closely with engineers to improve equipment reliability and maintainability. Produce and update technical and maintenance documentation. Support workshop and fabrication activities where required. Contribute to safe operations within radiation-controlled environments. Support planning activities for large-scale lifting and maintenance operations. This is not a standard operator role. You will develop and operate systems designed for environments where direct human intervention is impossible. The work combines precision engineering, robotics, remote operations, maintenance strategy, heavy mechanical systems, and emerging technologies such as camera-guided and VR-supported operations. ESS will provide extensive specialist training, including opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognised remote handling experts. This position is a full-time, permanent role with a 6-month probationary period. It is based at the brand-new https://youtu.be/d5h4bIEfM5Q?si=W28A9wLAkYK3HOXJ. About you: This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering, robotics, heavy mechanical systems, camera-guided and VR-supported operations, and nuclear technology within one of Europe’s most advanced technical environments. We’re therefore looking for practical, motivated individuals who enjoy technical problem solving, teamwork, and hands-on engineering work in complex environments. You should have: At least 3 years of experience in an engineering or industrial technician/operator role. Experience working within formal work control or regulated industrial environments. Strong mechanical or electromechanical skills. Experience working from engineering drawings and schematics. Experience assembling, testing, commissioning, or maintaining industrial equipment. Experience producing or following technical maintenance documentation. Safe operation experience with workshop machinery and tools. Good English communication skills, written and spoken. Experience in any of the following would be an advantage: Remote handling systems or robotics. Nuclear, radioactive, offshore, aerospace, fusion, or other high-integrity industries. Heavy lifting or crane operations. PLC troubleshooting or controls systems. Machining, fabrication, CNC, or wire saw operation. VR-based tools or digital engineering environments. To apply: A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary. If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-73309 in your application. This role requires additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process. For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Daniel Nordin Baker on mailto:Daniel.Nordin@ess.eu For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on mailto:erusha.Naicker@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:marc.kickulies@ess.eu