Scientific Group Leader -Material Ageing- (Tenure Track)

Lead Research and Development in Material Ageing

Assume full operative, scientific, and strategic responsibilities for a research group and laboratory infrastructure, including the Quality Management System (QMA). This role requires a balance of leadership and high-level applied research, with approximately 20-25% of working time dedicated to group leadership and 75-80% to independent research activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire new third-party funded R&D projects and grants, including managing project reporting.
• Lead and coordinate on-call expertise projects for the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI), including Conflict of Interest (COI) management.
• Develop and implement the long-term group strategy in close collaboration with the Laboratory for Nuclear Materials (LNM) head and leadership team.
• Conduct high-level applied R&D and service projects addressing specific Swiss and ENSI needs.
• Supervise and mentor PhD students, Post-Docs, and Master Students.
• Perform limited academic teaching tasks for the EPFL Doctoral School and ETHZ/EPFL NE master programs.
• Publish results in journals and international conferences.
• Foster international and internal collaborations within the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and ETH domain.
• Represent PSI and Switzerland in international networks and organizations.

Required Profile

• PhD in material science and engineering or an equivalent field.
• Broad and solid background in material ageing, material testing, and/or characterization.
• Experience in scientific team leadership and project management or acquisition.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• German language skills, or a strong willingness to acquire them, as German is essential for effective collaboration with ENSI.

What We Offer

Join an institution based on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training, personal development possibilities, and a pronounced vocational training culture. We support the optimal combination of work and family life or other personal interests through modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure.

This is a Tenure Track position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 3 years.