PhD student in applied nuclear physics

PhD student in applied nuclear physics 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University is one of the largest, boasting nearly 400 employees, including around 125 PhD students. Renowned for conducting world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics, the department collaborates extensively with the outside world. Research spans across 10 divisions, addressing topics ranging from the intricacies of the cosmos to pressing global concerns such as energy supply and climate change. 

Uppsala University is committed to sustainable employeeship, providing safe and favorable working conditions. With a four-year appointment, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and social benefits within the supportive framework of Swedish society. 

The collaborative work environment empowers employees to explore innovative ideas while maintaining a degree of autonomy. In our flat organizational structure, you'll closely collaborate with the group and its leader. The informal nature of the Swedish university system allows for open communication and collaboration. Your professional and personal development is a priority. By the end of your Ph.D. project, you'll have taken relevant courses, becoming an independent researcher ready to tackle new challenges. Supervision from main and co-supervisors, each with their specializations, along with collaboration with industry partners like Westinghouse, ensures a well-rounded experience. 

If you're ready to join us on our journey of research and growth in the field of nuclear physics, apply now and become a valuable member of our team of researchers at Uppsala University! 

Duties
As a part of the Division of Applied Nuclear Physics, you'll be an integral member of a research group focused on nuclear data, uncertainty quantification, and uncertainty propagation. The collaborative yet individualized work environment encourages exploration of new ideas, with regular bi-weekly meetings for knowledge sharing. The group is growing and maintains strong international collaborations with organizations like IAEA, PSI, and EuroFusion.  

Our research group has a track record in Uncertainty Quantification of nuclear data, employing techniques such as the Total Monte Carlo method. Ongoing projects involve the development and application of alternative, faster techniques for uncertainty propagation. 

This PhD project is a collaboration of Uppsala university and Westinghouse. The primary objective of this project is to develop a new methodology for criticality safety analysis throughout the operation of the nuclear fuel cycle. This initiative seeks to bolster the safety and reliability of nuclear power generation in Sweden by systematically examining the uncertainties related to criticality safety. This development also relates to a move from a conservative methodology to a best estimates plus uncertainty (BEPU) methodology.  

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for these doctoral studies, you must  

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, or nuclear engineering, or 
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or 
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.
• pass a security check to be allowed on-site on facilities where parts of the work will be performed. 

Additional qualifications

It is also desirable to meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• You are familiar with nuclear data, such as differential cross-sections.
• You are able to build a model and simulate particle transport in an existing transport code, such as Open MC, MCNP, GEANT, or similar.
• You are familiar with the fuel cycle of light water reactors.
• You possess a strong proficiency in both mathematics and statistics.
• You have experience with a high-level programming language, such as Python, MATLAB, or R.
• You have problem solving analytical skills as well as numerical analytical skills. 

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Erik Andersson Sundén, erik.andersson-sunden@physics.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by 10 May 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1159

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.