PhD Student in Probabilistic Modelling of Severe Nuclear Accident Risk

PhD Student in Probabilistic Modelling of Severe Nuclear Accident Risk

In this doctoral research project the Risk and Human Reliability (RHR) group in the Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis and the Severe Accident Research (SACRE) group in the Laboratory for Reactor Physics and Thermal‑Hydraulics are developing graphical probabilistic models (Bayesian Networks) to represent and analyse severe accident uncertainties in nuclear power plants. The project focuses on using these models as surrogates for accident‑simulation codes in the Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) of severe accident risks.

We are looking for a PhD student to join the team.

• Design and implement the uncertainty analysis study for severe accidents in nuclear power plants (includes running sets of accident simulation codes such as MELCOR, MAAP)
• Develop and evaluate different Bayesian Network models (from different structural learning and quantification algorithms) for surrogate modelling
• Demonstrate the application of these models for two major use cases for nuclear Probabilistic Safety Assessment PSA: examining the impact of uncertainties on the PSA outcomes of interest for model validation and integrating uncertainty analysis findings in PSA models to optimise the structure of accident progression models and their success criteria

• Master’s degree in nuclear engineering or other engineering disciplines (e.g. mechanical, chemical) with knowledge of nuclear systems
• Familiarity with several accident computational codes, especially MELCOR
• Familiarity with computational programming (e.g. use of Python, R, MATLAB)
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques or causal discovery algorithms is ideal, but not a requirement
• Very good knowledge of English is required, written and oral

On‑the‑job training, personal development opportunities and a pronounced vocational training culture. We support optimal work‑life balance, modern employment conditions and on‑site infrastructure.

The work will be carried out at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland. The PhD degree will be awarded by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ).

For further information, please contact Dr. Luca Podofillini (email: luca.podofillini, phone: ) or Dr. Mateusz Malicki (email: mateusz.malicki, phone: ).

Please submit your application online by 30 June 2026 including the addresses of referees for the position as a PhD Student in Probabilistic Modelling of Severe Nuclear Accident Risk (Index‑. ).