Doctoral student position in applied nuclear physics – fission yield measurements - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Applied Nuclear Physics conducts research in the areas of nuclear reactions (for applications like nuclear energy, cancer therapy or transmutation of nuclear waste), nuclear fuel diagnostics and safeguards (encapsulation of spent nuclear fuel, the future needs of nuclear power plants, nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation issues), neutron diagnostics for fusion energy (studying fusion as a possible future energy source in present day devices and for ITER) and interaction of high velocity ions in various materials (with applications ranging from archaeology and medicine to the ageing of materials in nuclear reactors). The Division of Applied Nuclear Physics offers training and expertise in instrumentation, numerical modeling and computer simulation of nuclear reactions and interactions as well as nuclear measurement techniques.

The nuclear reactions research group is devoted to measurements and evaluations of nuclear data for applications, for example nuclear energy, nuclear medicine and electronics. With our collaborators, primarily at laboratories in Finland, Belgium and France, we study nuclear reaction cross sections, fission yields and neutron multiplicities, light ion production, single event upsets, and so on. We are also involved in the development of the nuclear reaction code TALYS and the nuclear data library TENDL.

Duties/Project description:

At the University of Jyväskylä in Finland the Ion Guide and Isotope Separator On-Line (IGISOL) technique has been used to measure independent fission yields in proton induced fission. By coupling the IGISOL facility to a Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) an outstanding resolution in the separation of the fission products can be achieved. In collaboration with our Finnish colleagues we have developed a proton-to-neutron converter which facilitates the study of neutron-induced fission.

The scope of this project is to measure independent and isomeric fission yields in proton- and neutron-induced fission reactions. Of highest priority are those yields that are of relevance for the development of the next generation, so-called Generation IV, nuclear reactors. To realize the different concepts under consideration high-quality data are needed for a large set of neutron energies and fissionable materials. This data will also provide insight into the fission process and can guide the development of more accurate fission models.

As a doctoral student at our division, you will work in a multi-cultural environment and you will have an active role in the group activities such as seminars, workshops and courses. At the same time, you will be expected to work independently and to take personal responsibility for the progression of the project. Since most of our experimental work is located to different European facilities you will be spending extended periods of time abroad, especially in Jyväskylä, Finland. Your main task will be to conduct fission yield experiments, to collect and analyse data and to compare the results to existing data-sets and model calculations. You will also perform computer simulations of the experimental set-up in order to improve the performance.

More information about our research:

http://www.physics.uu.se/research/applied-nuclear-physics/groups/nuclear-reactions-group/

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a field that is relevant for the research project, such as (but not limited to) Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics, Medical Physics or similar, is required.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Documented experience working in a physics-based research environment and practical laboratory experience with nuclear and/or particle physics instrumentation and detectors, data acquisition systems and/or simulation environments. Please provide documentation of extent and type of experience.
• Proven programming skills. Please provide documentation of extent and type of experience.

 Application:

Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English

The application should include the following documents

* Your Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) (mandatory)

* A copy of your degree diploma along with a transcript of your grades (mandatory).

* A copy of your undergraduate thesis or a draft and a detailed time plan for the rest of the work if it is not yet completed (mandatory).

* A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) describing your reason for applying (mandatory).

* Maximum three references and recommendation letters: at least one such letter must be written by your undergraduate thesis supervisor (mandatory); additional ones can be provided by co-supervisors and/or second-level cycle university teachers.

* Personal circumstances that may be of positive relevance in merit evaluation should be mentioned in the CV.

* List of publications (if any).

* All other documents that you want us to consider.

Employment conditions The Doctoral student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Extension, up to a maximum of five years, is possible by including department duties at a level of at most 20%, typically teaching. The position is fully financed and the salary is in accordance with local guidelines at Uppsala University. The applicant must be eligible for Postgraduate studies at Uppsala University.

Information on post-graduate education, rules governing the enrolment as a doctoral student in The Higher Education Act and Higher Education Ordinance as well as the rules and regulations for doctoral students at Uppsala University can be found here: http://www.teknat.uu.se/education/postgraduate/

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: 01-04-2018, temporary position ending 31-03-2022.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact
Andreas Solders, andreas.solders@physics.uu.se, phone +46 18 471 26 31.

Please submit your application by 28 february 2018, UFV-PA 2018/470.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.