PhD position in Applied Nuclear Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The division of Applied Nuclear Physics within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, is looking for one or more PhD candidates to join our research team.

The Division of Applied Nuclear Physics consists of four Research groups: The fission and safeguards group, the fusion diagnostics group, the nuclear reaction group and the ion physics group. In general, the Division 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 energetic ions with various materials (with applications ranging from archaeology and medicine to thin film technology). 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 measurements techniques.

The Nuclear Fission and Safeguards Group focuses on measurement techniques, instrumentation and analysis methods for the (fission) nuclear energy sector. Applications range from usage in nuclear fuel diagnostics and safeguards, to future reactor concepts. We are developing techniques that utilize various radiation types to examine nuclear materials, e.g. gamma spectroscopy, neutron detection, gamma emission and neutron transmission tomography, as well as Cherenkov imaging.

The fission group is currently announcing a PhD candidate position in the field of gamma ray tomography (GET) for nuclear fuel. This technique will be used to study how nuclear fuel behaves under neutron irradiation. The technique is non-destructive and offers measurements of distributions of radioisotopes in the fuel. It is also possible to study phenomena like migration of fission products and parameters like burn-out and power distribution, mechanical effects on the fuel and its casings, all in close proximity to the use in the reactor both in space and time.

The Fusion Neutron Diagnostic Group is involved in projects of instrumentation, experiments, data analysis and physics interpretation at several leading fusion energy research facilities. The group is responsible for the operation of several advanced neutron instruments, such as a flux monitor (“camera”) at the Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak (MAST) and two neutron spectrometers at the Joint European Torus (JET) both located at the Culham Science Centre for Fusion Energy, Abingdon, UK. JET is presently the largest magnetic fusion device in the world and the only one capable of operating with deuterium-tritium (DT) fuels and is a core facility in the European roadmap towards fusion energy. JET is presently planning for a full-scale experimental campaign with deuterium-tritium fuel in 2019. The group is also involved in preparations for ITER, which is an international fusion experiment under construction in southern France aimed at proving the viability of fusion as an energy source.

The fusion group is looking for a Ph.D. candidate to work with the group’s instruments and experiments at JET. The project involves work on a new fast digital data acquisition system, on preparations for the JET DT campaign in 2019, simulations of detector systems and analysis of experimental data.

The Nuclear Reaction Group conducts experimental work focusing on interactions of different types of radiation, mainly neutrons, with the atomic nucleus. The activities also include development of measurement methods based on nuclear techniques, such as measurements of neutrons and gammas. Theoretical work on model and code development is also included. At present, the group is conducting research regarding fission mechanisms through experimental studies of neutron induced reactions. The research is performed at several international facilities, like JRC in Geel, Belgium, IGISOL in Jyväskylä, Finland, and GANIL in Caen, France. The group is also part of the TENDL collaboration where methods for evaluation of nuclear data are developed.

The nuclear reaction group is looking for a Ph.D. candidate to join our activities within experimental studies of the nuclear fission process. In particular, we study observables like mass distributions, neutron multiplicities and isomeric yield ratios and use fission model codes to deduce information on the underlying fission dynamics. The project will involve work on detector development and detailed studies of the performance of the experimental setup, performance of experimental campaigns at international research facilities, data analysis, and work on theoretical aspects of nuclear fission.

The Ion Physics Group employs ion beams provided by particle accelerators for fundamental research and materials science.  Applications of ion beam based analysis within the research group range from archaeology and medicine to ultra-thin surface coatings for smart windows, in electronics or other applications. The group also strives for a continual development of the employed methods to meet the challenges by materials research of the future. Basic investigations of the interaction of ions with solids yields valuable insights into strongly perturbed electronic systems and provides important reference data for benchmark many body theory.

The ion physics group is looking for a PhD candidate interested in further developing the instrumentation and working on an investigation of ultra-thin films of silicides, germanides and transition metal oxides as used in electronics and for sensor applications. We have recently started construction of a new instrumental set-up for low-energy ion scattering, which will provide the capability to use ions to study processes at the outermost atomic layer of a solid. In parallel the equipment can perform in-situ depth profiles of the first few nm of a material. The project will consist of fundamental investigations of material properties as well as in-situ manufacturing of the systems of interest.

Specific Duties

• The Ph.D. student is expected to engage actively in the activities of the Department, Division and within their research group, i.e. seminars, scientific consultation, and workshops.

• The Ph.D. student will be required to take at least 40 hp of Ph.D. level courses.

• The position is for a maximum of four years of full-time studies and can be extended up to five years when including departmental duties (typically teaching).

• The candidates are expected to work independently, to meet deadlines and to take personal responsibility.

• Applicants are expected to show the capacity for advanced academic work and actively participate in applications for scholarships for travel and research. The development of competence to initiate the design of and carry out research projects is a critical expectation of the Ph.D. program.

Eligibility

General requirement:

• The basic eligibility requirement for enrolment in the department’s Ph.D. study program is a Master’s level physics or engineering degree within the Swedish system and completed courses amounting to 240 higher education credits, including second level courses amounting to at least 60 higher education credits. Persons having completed a corresponding program in other countries or have equivalent qualifications are also eligible.

Desirable qualifications, aptitudes and experience:

• Documented experience working in a physics-based research environment.

• Previous experience in applied nuclear physics is an advantage.

• Documented experience with nuclear and/or particle physics instrumentation and radiation detectors, data acquisition systems and/or of using different simulation environments.

• Proven programming skills. Specify programming languages and skill level.

• Familiarity with the Linux operating system environment.

• Excellent English writing and oral skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a mixed gender, multi-cultural environment and to promote team spirit.

• Some of the positions will require the PhD student to work abroad for extended periods of time.

The application should include the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) (*)
2. A copy of your Master’s degree (or equivalent) diploma along with a transcript of your grades (*).
3. A copy of your undergraduate thesis or a draft and a detailed time plan for the completion of the work if it is not yet completed (*).
4. A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) describing your reason for applying (*). Indicate in your letter which of the specific PhD position(s) described above you are particularly interested in, if any.
5. Maximum three references and recommendation letters: one of the letters should be from your undergraduate thesis supervisor (*); additional ones can be provided by co-supervisors and/or second-level cycle university teachers.
6. Personal circumstances that may be of positive relevance in merit evaluation should be mentioned in the CV.
7. List of publications (if any).
8. All other documents that you want to be considered.

Items marked (*) are required, the others are optional.

Employment conditions

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

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. The University is striving for a more even gender balance in the research environment, and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: 01-10-2018, temporary position ending 30-09-2022.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact Sophie Grape (fission/safeguards group) tel +46 18 471 5842 sophie.grape@physics.uu.se
Göran Ericsson (fusion group), tel +46 18 471 3446, goran.ericsson@physics.uu.se
Stephan Pomp (nuclear reaction group) +46 18 471 6850, stephan.pomp@physics.uu.se 
Daniel Primetzhofer (ion physics group) +46 18 471 3040, daniel.primetzhofer@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 22 July 2018, UFV-PA 2018/2205.

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.