PhD Student

Your tasks ##

• You will prepare and characterize clay samples and oriented clay films using different methods (e.g. XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy, electrochemical methods) 
• You will study proton mobility with quasi-elastic neutron scattering QENS in clays at SINQ / PSI and develop your own data analysis tools 
• You will develop an experimental setup for radiotracer diffusion in thin clay films and conduct tracer diffusion and electromigration studies 
• You will communicate your results at conferences and in publications in peer-reviewed journals and write a PhD thesis to complete your studies

Your profile ##

• You have obtained a Master's degree in physical chemistry, environmental chemistry or a closely related field 
• You are highly motivated to conduct laboratory work and have prior experience working in a chemical laboratory environment 
• You are eager to use advanced data analysis tools (e.g. Python programming) 
• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques or molecular simulations is advantageous 
• You have excellent communication and time management skills. 
• In this international project team, excellent knowledge of English is essential, and the ability to communicate in German is an advantage

We offer ##

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure. 

This is a fixed-term position with a 4-year term, subject to satisfactory progress within the framework of the doctoral programme at the University of Bern, in which the appointee will be enrolled.

For further information, please contact Dr Yaana Bruneel, phone +41 56 310 42 57 or Dr Fanni Juranyi, phone +41 56 310 31 76. 

Please submit your application, including a motivation letter and addresses of referees, online by 31 August 2026 for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 4404-29009).

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