Research Fellow in Experimental Nuclear Physics – Physics and Astronomy – Grade 7

Job title:

Analysis Fellow in Experimental Nuclear Physics – Physics and Astronomy – Grade 7

Firm

College of Birmingham

Job description

Job Description:Place ParticularsCollege of Physics and AstronomyLocation: College of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKFull time beginning wage is generally within the vary £34,980 to £44,263 with potential development as soon as in publish to £46,974Grade 7Full Time, EverlastingTime limit: twenty fifth March 2024Function FunctionThe Excessive-Flux Accelerator-Pushed Neutron Facility (HF-ADNeF) is a nationwide consumer facility funded by the NNUF (Nationwide Nuclear Person Amenities) programme and has been commissioned in December 2023. Although this facility is predominantly for supplies analysis, we’ve obtained funding for feasibility work in direction of nuclear astrophysics experiments at HF-ADNeF. That is an thrilling alternative at a world-leading facility within the UK and to work in direction of a future nuclear astrophysics functionality utilizing intense, reliably delivered neutron beams.The post-holder will perform the preliminary simulation and testing work required to allow the design of a modular and moveable nuclear-astrophysics end-station with neutron beams. The venture is ideally suited to somebody who enjoys considering exterior the field and testing revolutionary options. The post-holder will:

• be chargeable for simulations of neutron collimation and radiation (neutron and gamma) shielding to permit semiconductor detectors for use for nuclear reactions between neutron beams and skinny foil targets;
• perform preliminary in-beam exams of assorted components of the collimator and shielding required to evaluate efficiency and iterate designs.

Fundamental DutiesThe excessive flux accelerator-driven neutron supply relies within the Medical Physics Constructing of the College of Physics & Astronomy and will probably be concerned in all kinds of analysis and industrial tasks – predominantly targeted on supplies analysis for the fission and fusion communities. Thus, any end-station appropriate for delicate nuclear astrophysics research, should be each modular and moveable in addition to comprising supplies with low neutron activation cross sections. This publish is for a venture to simulate, design and take a look at elements of a modular neutron collimation system and shielded measurement space on the neutron facility. The long-term goal is to work in direction of making measurements utilising each quick and thermal neutron beams for nuclear astrophysics experiments, corresponding to these related to the astrophysical gradual neutron seize course of that takes place in large stars.
This facility shares the constructing with the College’s MC40 Cyclotron. Each accelerators profit from a shared pool of operators and different technical posts in addition to a wealth of experience on neutron manufacturing, measurement and shielding.The post-holder will work inside the nuclear physics group and alongside the accelerator working workforce in addition to liaising with workshop technicians on fabrication in our state-of-the-art workshops positioned within the College of Physics and Astronomy. The post-holder will probably be chargeable for the next.Carry out detailed simulations utilizing the neutron-source time period to design a neutron- and gamma-shielded detector station with astrophysics response goal, comprising the next duties:

• Construct a easy Monte-Carlo mannequin of the shielded space utilizing GEANT4/MCNP together with the neutron-target supply time period and the provisional collimator design.
• Optimise the shielding design for neutron fee on the secondary goal place and use simulations to benchmark choices for neutron monitoring for flux measurements after the collimator throughout experiments.
• Run FISPACT-II calculations to examine for activation-product accumulation in each the collimator, previous to in-beam testing of elements.
• As soon as a full working design has been constructed, optimise the equipment for easy mounting/dismounting.

Carry out detailed simulations utilizing the neutron-source time period to optimise a neutron collimator for quick neutrons, comprising the next duties:

• Construct a easy Monte-Carlo mannequin of the neutron collimator utilizing MCNP together with the neutron-target supply time period. This can draw closely on each Birmingham experience and present literature.
• Optimise the neutron collimator design for neutron fee on the secondary goal place.
• Cross-check the mannequin in GEANT4 and merge with the detector measurement station simulations.
• Assemble easy benchmark exams, for experimentally establishing the efficacy of the collimator, e.g. utilizing stacks of activation foils which have completely different neutron activation energies. On this approach the neutron depth throughout the neutron power spectrum might be verified.

Produce (with the help of the workshop engineers and HF-ADNeF technicians) and take a look at the neutron collimator and neutron-shielded detector station, comprising the next duties:

• Check the collimator in-beam utilizing the benchmarking reactions and initially low-flux.
• Topic to profitable completion of low-flux in-beam collimator exams, carry out collimator exams at larger flux.
• Iterate collimator design facets as required.
• Fabricate the detector measurement space.
• Check the shielded detector enclosure, beginning at low-flux earlier than rising. Each neutron and gamma benchmark exams will probably be carried out.

Carry out simulations to optimise a moderator and beam-shaping meeting aimed toward producing an epithermal neutron beam.As a part of the nuclear physics group at Birmingham you’ll be anticipated to:

• Take part in collaborative experiments at each the Birmingham services and overseas.
• Disseminate your work through publications and convention shows.
• Contribute to day-to-day supervision of PhD college students.
• Undertake a small quantity of educating, e.g. laboratory demonstration.
• Make the most of quite a few CPD and different coaching alternatives.

Adhere to all native, College and College security insurance policies.
Perform another duties as directed by the Accelerator Director.Particular person SpecificationThe duties detailed on this doc are advanced, multifaceted and require abilities starting from simulations and coding, optimisation methods, neutron physics, design, consciousness of the fabrication-process and experimental aptitude with the intention to take a look at and benchmark the efficiency of elements.Important:

• PhD in experimental nuclear physics
• Vital earlier simulation expertise with both GEANT4 and/or MCNP
• Vital hands-on data of nuclear electronics and measurement techniques
• Expertise of working inside a analysis setting
• Good drawback fixing abilities
• Good written communications abilities together with a publication and presentation monitor document
• Skill to work underneath strain and to deadlines
• Willingness to work with radiation and radioactivity and to stick to all security controls that are in place

Fascinating:

• Laptop-aided design and fabrication expertise
• Working data of vacuum techniques
• Expertise in working inside a radiation setting
• A working data of excessive vacuum expertise
• Familiarity with the operation of mechanical workshop tools corresponding to lathes, milling machines and drills

Casual enquiries to Carl Wheldon or or Prof. Tzany KokalovaWe imagine there isn’t any such factor as a ‘typical’ member of College of Birmingham workers and that variety in its many kinds is a power that underpins the alternate of concepts, innovation and debate on the coronary heart of College life. We’re dedicated to proactively addressing the boundaries skilled by some teams in our group and are proud to carry Athena SWAN, Race Equality Constitution and Incapacity Assured accreditations. We now have an Equality Range and Inclusion Centre that focuses on repeatedly bettering the College as a good and inclusive place to work the place everybody has the chance to succeed. We’re additionally dedicated to sustainability, which is certainly one of our values. You will discover out extra about our work to create a fairer college for everybody .

Anticipated wage

£34980 – 44263 per yr

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:04:50 GMT

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