Opportunities, Proposed PhD Topics

PhD position at Uppsala University-GANIL

The Division of Applied Nuclear Physics at Uppsala University, together with Normandie Université (France) and GANIL, is looking for a doctoral student in experimental nuclear physics with focus on studies of neutron-induced reactions at the NFS (Neutrons For Science) facility at GANIL in Caen, France.

Description of the project: The main goal of this Ph. D. project is to perform experimental studies of different nuclear reactions induced by neutrons: production of light-ions and fission. The experiments will aim at improving the theoretical understanding of different nuclear reaction mechanisms, providing accurate nuclear data to fill gaps in the knowledge base for neutron cross-sections, and at increasing the accuracy of neutron reference cross sections.

The recently constructed NFS facility at GANIL (Caen, France) hosts the experimental setup Medley, developed by Uppsala University, which will be used to perform the envisaged measurements. Further upgrades of the setup, devoted to improve its performance, are ongoing and their implementation will also be a part of the Ph. D. project.

The main task for the PhD candidate will be to conduct cross-section measurements for nuclear fission and production of light ions induced by neutrons in the energy range 1-40 MeV, to collect and analyze data, and to compare the results with existing datasets and predictions of different theoretical model codes for nuclear reactions.

The doctoral student in this project will work in a multi-cultural environment and will have an active role in the group activities such as seminars, workshops, and courses. At the same time, he/she will be expected to work independently and to take personal responsibility for the progression of the project.

Since this Ph. D. project will lead to a double degree from Uppsala University (Sweden) and Normandie University (France), the candidate will spend two years in Caen, and two years in Uppsala.

Basic Information

  • Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
  • Starting date: 01-10-2021 or as otherwise agreed.
  • Type of employmentTemporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.
  • Scope of employment: 100 %.

Opportunity details

Requirements:

  • A Master’s degree or equivalent in a field that is relevant for the research project, such as (but not limited to) Physics, Engineering Physics, or similar, is required. However, you can apply already before you obtain the degree.
  • Excellent communication skills are required in written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

  • Documented experience of working in a physics-based research environment and practical laboratory experience with nuclear and/or particle physics instrumentation and detectors, as well as with pertaining data acquisition systems.
  • Since the work involves rather complex data-analysis, we desire proven programming skills. Previous knowledge in ROOT framework and in simulation environments (such as GEANT4, MCNP, FLUKA…) would be highly appreciated. Please provide documentation of the extent and type of experience.
  • While the project is mainly experimental, experience and interest in theoretical nuclear physics would be an advantage.

Employment conditions:

The Doctoral student position is a 4-year appointment, shared between Uppsala University (Sweden) and Normandie University (France). The position is fully financed and the salary is in accordance with local guidelines at both universities. The candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Extension by several months in Uppsala is possible by including department duties at a level of at most 20%, typically teaching.

Information on post-graduate education, rules governing the enrollment 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/

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

 

For further information about the position please contact: Diego Tarrío, Ph.D.; email: diego.tarrio@physics.uu.se; phone: +46 70-167 90 79, Xavier Ledoux, Ph.D.; email: xavier.ledoux@ganil.fr.

Please submit your application by 30 July 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2204.

Proposal in PDF format, available for download HERE

For further information, please visit THIS LINK