PhD Position: High-Resolution Gamma Tomography for Rod Vibration Measurements (MSCA COMBINE Network)
Doctoral position at ETH Zurich developing AI-assisted gamma tomography for vibration measurement in rod bundles, within the EU-funded COMBINE doctoral training network.
Best for:Best for engineering or physics graduates with strong machine-learning and programming skills who are passionate about experimental measurement techniques and nuclear/energy systems research.
Overview
ETH Zurich invites applications for a doctoral research position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Training Network COMBINE, a consortium of 17 academic institutions and 14 industrial partners tackling fluid–structure interaction challenges relevant to decarbonization in energy and process engineering. The specific project focuses on developing advanced tomographic techniques to measure and evaluate vibrations in rod and rod-bundle configurations using a state-of-the-art, in-house high-resolution gamma tomography system. The successful candidate will combine experimental measurement campaigns with machine-learning-driven data reconstruction and noise reduction. Researchers benefit from interdisciplinary, international, and inter-sectoral training, including secondments at leading academic and industrial partners across Europe. The research group is based at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland.
What you'll do
- Design and construct experimental setups for single-rod and rod-bundle configurations
- Conduct vibration measurements on rods and rod bundles using the in-house high-resolution gamma tomography system
- Develop AI-assisted reconstruction and imaging algorithms that fuse sensor and tomography data for vibrating structures
- Apply machine-learning techniques for noise reduction and data enhancement in tomographic measurements
- Participate in network-wide training events, local technical courses, and transferable-skills workshops
- Undertake international secondments at academic and industrial partner institutions across Europe
- Collaborate with supervisors and consortium partners on interdisciplinary research deliverables
- Disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (good written and spoken proficiency)
Instruction: English
- Strong background in mathematics and machine learning
- Programming proficiency in Python, C++, or a similar language
- Experience with data processing and model interpretation
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
- Good written and spoken English
- Must hold a Master's degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field
- As part of an MSCA Doctoral Network, standard MSCA mobility rules apply (recipients must not have resided in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Submit an online application exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal. Include a CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter. Applications sent by email or postal mail will not be considered. Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Annalisa Manera by email, but applications must not be sent to her directly.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
Contact
Annalisa Manera· Professor, Laboratory of Nuclear Systems and Multiphase Flows
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