Deputy Head of Fuel Manufacturing and reprocessing unit

Position Overview

We are looking for a dynamic and highly organized professional to support the management of multidisciplinary R&D activities within an innovative and fast-paced international environment. This role is instrumental in overseeing research and experiments design, execution, technical reporting, and internal coordination, as well as managing team dynamics. The ideal candidate will excel at bridging operational management and scientific leadership, possessing both technical expertise and project coordination skills.

About Us

Transmutex is a Geneva-based start-up founded in 2019, dedicated to reinventing nuclear energy through an accelerator-driven system (ADS) focused on optimizing the transmutation of long-lived nuclear waste. We combine cutting-edge technology with existing radioactive waste to develop an energy process that is safe, reduces long-lived waste stockpiles, resists proliferation, and remains cost-competitive.

Main Responsibilities

• Fuel Reprocessing and Manufacturing Design:
  • Design, test, and deploy the fuel cycle considering various fuel options (MOX, metallic, nitride, CERMET, and others).
  • Collaborate closely with other units to manage the fuel cycle, including digital infrastructure, accelerator, transmutation reactor, safety, licensing, and civil engineering.
  • Define and implement technological interventions for the fuel cycle, focusing on structure, process improvement, and efficiency.
  • Supervise the design and construction of the pyroprocessing facility while supporting staff in operational environments for testing and reprocessing experiments.
• Safety, Compliance, and Licensing:
  • Manage the fuel licensing process, particularly for the Th/U fuel cycle.
  • Ensure adherence to quality and cost objectives in the realization of the fuel cycle.
  • Oversee compliance with regulatory, ethical, and data protection standards throughout research processes.
  • Implement experimental procedures and safety protocols, monitoring lab safety and radiation protection procedures.
• Team and Resources Management:
  • Assist in coordinating work planning, budget management, and resource allocation.
  • Manage the team, including guidance, work planning, recruiting, onboarding, and overseeing training and development.
  • Review nuclear safety analysis and provide support in leadership meetings or external engagements as needed.
  • Coordinate with other unit heads to ensure the implementation of company-wide procedures.

Qualifications and Professional Achievements

• Master’s degree in nuclear engineering, chemistry, physics, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years’ experience in radiochemistry of nuclear fuel within the nuclear sector, with a minimum of 5 years in managerial or technical coordination roles.
• Excellent knowledge of radiochemistry and deep expertise in the design and fabrication of nuclear fuels.
• Familiarity with reprocessing and electrochemical separation of transuranic isotopes in molten salt.
• Prior management experience, ideally in a multicultural and industrial context.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills, strategic thinking, and diplomacy.
• Fluency in English and German; knowledge of French is an asset.

Terms and Conditions

• Start Date: As soon as possible and no later than Q2 2026.
• Location: Vernier, GE, Switzerland.
• Contract: Full-time, permanent employment contract.
• Package: Competitive remuneration and social security, accident/disability insurance, pension plans; one day per week work from home, as well as five weeks paid vacation.