Your Internship Project?

Here is what it is about:

Within the framework of a master's thesis or an internship, Nagra offers a position to research optimization possibilities related to the disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

The current disposal strategy for spent nuclear fuel involves packaging several spent fuel elements in steel containers. This strategy requires minimizing the number of final disposal containers used. This results in a complex optimization problem given the large number of spent fuel elements, their different radiological properties, and the logistics of the packaging process.

To solve these challenges, Nagra has developed the SIMAN software. This is a logistical optimization tool that creates a detailed container loading plan based on an input data set and several user-defined constraints.

Your tasks:

• Familiarization with the SIMAN software
• Development of a new version of the SIMAN code using two genetic algorithms
• Investigation of proxy models using ML algorithms such as neural networks
• Improvement of the robustness and performance of the optimization code
• Conducting sensitivity studies on the impact of framework conditions on the container loading plan

Your profile

• Ability to solve problems independently using a structured approach and critical thinking
• Motivation and willingness to learn
• Good knowledge of a programming language (Python or C)
• Good scientific writing skills in English
• Experience with Git, optimization algorithms, and machine learning is advantageous

Your application should include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Listing of all available exam grades from the BSc and/or MSc program (e.g., grades from the first semester)
• Cover letter of no more than 300 words

About us

Our ongoing projects at the interface between industry and basic research offer the unique opportunity to explore the most fascinating aspects of these two worlds.

You will work together with experts and under realistic conditions on the most important scientific, technical, and implementation-relevant topics related to the geological deep disposal of radioactive waste. You will also have the opportunity to further educate yourself in Python, optimization problems, and the challenges of spent fuel disposal and/or gain additional experience.

If you would like to collaborate with us on the disposal of radioactive waste, please send your complete application documents by email to bewerbungen@nagra.ch.