PhD candidate in radiation physics and activation analysis

Reference number ESD-56580

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The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

The Operations and Machine Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, in cooperation with the ESS Science Directorate and Lund University, invites applications for a PhD position in the area of theoretical and experimental radiation transport physics within the ESS Spallation Physics Group.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

About the Spallation Physics Group:
The ESS Target Division, including the ESS Spallation Physics Group, is responsible for designing, developing, procuring, installing, commissioning, and testing the systems required to convert the energetic proton beam from the accelerator into neutron beams used for experiments.

Key features of the ESS Target Station include the target itself, the neutron moderator and reflector system, and the neutron beam-extraction system. However, the ESS Spallation Physics Group's responsibilities extend beyond the target, covering spallation physics topics ESS-wide. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Activation and inventory calculations of radionuclides across the facility.
• Particle transport simulations to optimize the target-moderator-reflector system, assess component lifetimes, and conduct shielding and activation analyses.
• Development of computational tools and thermal and cold neutron scattering cross-sections (scattering kernels) for particle transport simulations.
• Experimental verification and development of new moderator-reflector systems and other spallation physics-related concepts.
• Study of materials relevant to the operation and performance of the facility.
• Supporting neutron scattering instrument teams by providing e. g. source terms for instrument optimization.

Position Description:
During operation of the European Spallation Source, components of the machine and instruments will be exposed to radiation and become activated. The activation levels after shutdown of the facility are important for defining possibilities for radiological clearance of the irradiated components. As a part of these efforts we are developing software tools and methodologies for quick and efficient characterization of activation levels throughout the facility.

The PhD candidate will work on the development and benchmarking of tools and methodologies for applications in clearance and release of radioactive material, with a focus on difficult to measure isotopes at the European Spallation Source. This involves Monte-Carlo simulations and activation calculations, such as PHITS/MCNP and DCHAIN-PHITS/CINDER. A main aim will be to calculate radionuclide vectors and their uncertainties at any location throughout the facility in a timely manner.

Along with calculating radionuclide vectors, a significant part of the work will be planning, leading and carrying out benchmark studies against other software tools and/or measurements performed either at the European Spallation Source or other accelerator-based facilities together with the Radiation Protection Group.

The successful candidate will be part of the ESS Spallation Physics Group, while also collaborating closely with neutron scattering instrument teams.

Qualifications and candidate profile:
To be eligible for this PhD studentship, the following qualifications are required:

• You must be eligible for the PhD program in physics at the Science Faculty at Lund University (https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/admissions/doctoral-studies)
• A "Sherlock Holmes" kind of mindset; ready to tackle complex and multi-dimensional challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural, international environment.
• A proactive and self-motivated attitude, with a willingness to take initiative.
• The ability to work as part of a team, but also the capability to work independently.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

In addition to the required qualifications, the following experience would be considered advantageous:

• Experience with radiation transport codes such as PHITS, MCNP(X), or FLUKA and high-performance computing techniques.
• Knowledge in programming languages such as Python, C++, and FORTRAN, object oriented programing, and development of graphical interfaces.
• Experience in using activation codes, such as DCHAIN-PHITS or CINDER, to calculate nuclide inventories.
• Knowledge of radiation measurement methods.
• Experience with nuclear data.
• Prior experience of working at spallation sources.
• Experience as a user at neutron sources.

To apply:
If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.

We review applications continuously, so don’t miss out! Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-56580 in your application.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker on [email protected]

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson on [email protected] or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application soon!

URL to this pagehttps://europeanspallationsource.se/careers/vacancies?rmpage=job&rmjob=1806&rmlang=UK

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