PhD Student in Crack Arrest Toughness Evaluation / PhD Studentess in Crack Arrest Toughness Evaluation

Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) - December 9, 2025

Your Tasks

  • Conduct a PhD thesis on arrest toughness in the ductile to brittle transition region of unirradiated and irradiated ferritic steels for nuclear applications.
  • Develop innovative techniques to measure arrest toughness in ferritic steels using standard and sub-sized specimens.
  • Conduct fractographic observations to analyze crack paths and arrest locations.
  • Model static and dynamic crack arrest conditions using finite element simulations.
  • Supervise semester students and/or internships.
  • Publish results in scientific journals and present findings at international conferences.

Your Profile

  • You hold a master's degree in Materials Science or Physics, with a solid background in metallurgy.
  • You possess practical experience in material testing and metallographic characterization.
  • Excellent communication skills in English are essential.
  • Proficiency in German would be considered an asset.

We Offer

Our institution is grounded in interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training, opportunities for personal development, and a strong vocational training culture. We support optimal work-life balance and personal interests with modern employment conditions and comprehensive on-site infrastructure.

Contact Information

For further information, please reach out to Prof. PD Dr Philippe Spätig at phone +41 56 310 29 34, or via email at philippe.spatig@psi.ch.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Paul Scherrer Institut,
Human Resources Management,
Mariusz Prus,
5232 Villigen PSI,
Switzerland

Location : Villigen PSI
Country : Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

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