PhD Student

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting‑edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations.

Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post‑docs, post‑graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

For many years the Laboratory for Waste Management has conducted multidisciplinary research on safety and design of geological repositories for radioactive waste and flows relevant to nuclear reactor technologies using a unique combination of experimental infrastructure and modelling capabilities. In close collaboration with Nagra we analyse the drill core from the site characterisation campaign for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste in Switzerland.

Over 6 km of drill cores and geophysical logs have been obtained. These huge datasets will be analysed with the help of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

For this project we are looking for a PhD Student.

• Use Machine Learning models for automated analysis of core image data and geophysical data logs
• Apply explainable artificial intelligence XAI techniques to determine driving features of the ML models and to investigate the model interpretability
• Perform uncertainty quantification to assess the reliability of predictions and robustness of ML/AI model
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present of work at conferences

• You hold a master’s degree in geosciences (such as geochemistry, geology, geophysics, or a related discipline) combined with a strong interest in artificial intelligence and data‑driven modeling, or alternatively, a master’s degree in data science, mathematics, computer science, informatics, or physics with a strong interest in geoscience applications
• You have experience with programming (e.g., Python, R, Matlab, C/C++…)
• You have an active interest into data (e.g. images, categorical, numerical, geoscientific, subsurface data…) and interpretation
• You have good communication and writing skills in English

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.

For further information, please contact Dr Romana Boiger, romana.boiger , phone .

Please submit your application online by 18 January 2026 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (Index‑‑25739).

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