SCK CEN is welcoming PhD Applications until MARCH 23, 2022

Fields are diverse: nuclear technology, materials, radiation protection, waste & disposal, decommissioning, etc…

The list of available topics:

• 161Tb-labeled radiopharmaceuticals targeting mucin receptors for treatment of pancreatic cancer
• Advancement of personal neutron dosimetry by establishment of flexible reference simulated neutron workplace fields and computational neutron dosimetry
• Assessment of out-of-field doses in proton therapy with variation of clinical parameters
• Deep learning for 3D porous media reconstruction of clay and cement-based materials
• Development of a Numerical Multi-Physics Method to Analyze the Vibration Characteristics of Rotating Components in Liquid Metal
• Development of a thorium based target for the production and release of Ac225 at the ISOL facility of MYRRHA
• Development of fast and sensitive methods for radiotoxicological and biodistribution studies/analyses of radionuclides used in medical applications (e.g. 225Ac)
• Development of new ligands for selective separation of americium
• Development of TRNT radiopharmaceuticals targeting Hsp90
• Evolution of transport, microstructural and hygro-mechanical properties of cementitious materials subjected to coupled chemical degradation via a multiscale approach
• Experimental analysis of nuclear fuel depletion : method development, validation and uncertainty assessment
• Fecal microbiotal transplantation as a method for improving the outcomes of the dual radio- and immunotherapies within a colorectal cancer mouse model
• Finite element investigations of loading rate and crack configuration effects to extract fracture toughness from the Charpy impact test
• Formation mechanisms of nanovoid and nanobubble superlattices in fissile materials
• Functional characterization of D630023F18Rik in the DNA damage response and brain development
• HERMMES – Hadron Energy Resolved Measurement using Magnetic Electron Separation
• Impact of carbonation on corrosion, mechanical and transport properties of blended cements
• Improving Nuclear Fuel Microstructure Characterization By Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy Data
• Influence of redox conditions and organic matter on the partitioning and mobility of naturally occurring radionuclides (NOR‘s) in geothermal systems
• Investigating the radioprotective mechanisms of biotic food supplements using human gut organoids-derived bioreactor
• Machine learning for accurate and efficient uncertainty quantification in radiological waste characterization
• Neutron Data Benchmarking at the VENUS-F zero power reactor for MYRRHA
• Optimization of computational dosimetry of workers in dismantling and decommissioning using machine learning
• Oxidation and corrosion mechanisms in actinide oxide systems
• Personal online dosimetry of astronauts using computational methods
• Photonuclear cross-section measurements for the production of medical radioisotope Actinium-225
• Quantitative Assessment of Corrosion Products Release Rate in Liquid LBE
• Shape controlled thorium dioxide precipitation routes
• Fuel Materials
• Small-scale mechanical punch testing for fusion and fission structural materials
• Sorption of radionuclides onto C-S-H and C-A-S-H at various degradation stages
• Super-resolved analysis of lamin-mediated DNA damage repair after high LET irradiation and its applicability to predictive modelling of individual radiation sensitivity in cancer patients
• The role of miRNAs in regulating dose rate and plant developmental-dependent responses to gamma-irradiation in rice

SCK CEN is looking for 2 PhD researchers in Nuclear Fusion & Geothermal system

REPRESENTATION OF HOMOGENIZED CROSS SECTIONS BY REDUCED MODELS AND MACHINE-LEARNING FOR MULTI-PHYSICS SIMULATION OF NUCLEAR REACTORS

This PhD program focuses on algorithms of machine-learning and data compression for model reduction, in order to optimize the reconstruction of few-group homogenized cross sections used for the computer simulation of nuclear reactors.

These data are fundamental for all coupled multi-physics calculations performed to study reactor design and safety. The use of data assimilation techniques will be considered to enhance the process of cross section preparation by lattice transport computer codes, thus allowing to properly address big data problems.

The improvements sought by the application of innovative mathematical methods aim at achieving a significant reduction in memory storage and in the overall computational time, still ensuring the best accuracy for the reconstructed cross sections.

LOCATION:

Département de Modélisation des Systèmes et Structures
Service des Réacteurs et de Mathématiques Appliquées
Laboratoire de Protection d’Etudes et de Conception
Place: Saclay, France
Start date of the thesis: Sept/Oct 2021

CONTACT PERSON:

Daniele Tomatis, Dr

e-mail : daniele.tomatis@cea.fr

CEA Saclay, France

Proposal in PDF format, French and English descriptions (one after the other) available for download , HERE

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 employment: Temporary 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

The Reactor Engineering Division at the Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia, offers a four-year, full-time PhD position starting on October 2021.

JSI is looking for a PhD student to strengthen their research team in the field of computational structural mechanics, structural integrity and ageing of nuclear materials. The research team is specialized in the development of multiscale computational simulation tools for polycrystalline metallic alloys. The research focuses on the explicit modelling and simulations of ageing effects at the level of microstructure to improve the understanding of local cracking conditions.

Using statistical analysis of the simulation results, the goal is to identify critical parameters affecting the material integrity. The PhD research topic will be along these directions.

Basic Information

• Type : Full-time, 4 year PhD position (Young Researcher)
• Domain : Computational Structural Mechanics & Nuclear Materials
• Country : Slovenia
• Organisation : Jozef Stefan Institute

Opportunity details

The position is funded by the Slovenian Research Agency within the Young researchers program.

The PhD student will work at the Reactor Engineering Division at the Jožef Stefan Institute under the supervision of dr. Samir El Shawish.

JSI is looking for a candidate with a master’s degree in physics or similar field with good programming skills.

Experience with finite element modelling is beneficial but not required. ‍JSI expects a high level of motivation and diligence from the candidate, and they offer the possibility of conducting top scientific research and an excellent starting point for the development of a scientific career. The PhD student will be provided with a creative and stimulating research environment, access to a high-performance computing cluster and enabled training abroad.

Application deadline: June 30, 2021 – send your CV & Motivation Letter to samir.elshawish@ijs.si.

The PDF proposal can be downloaded from HERE

Available PhD topics at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre

Within the Institute for Advanced Nuclear Systems:

• Nuclear magnetic resonance and radiotracing of radioactive Li-8 to study diffusion of different Li+ species in solid electrolytes
• On-line optimization of ISOL@MYRRHA performance through an intelligent and automated control system
• Quantitative Assessment of Corrosion Products Release Rate in Liquid LBE
• Ultrasound detection of Impurity Particles in Liquid LBE

Within the Institute for Environment, Health and Safety:

• Advancement of personal neutron dosimetry by establishment of flexible reference simulated neutron workplace fields and computational neutron dosimetry
• Copper-based materials as potential antimicrobials for spaceflight activities
• Development of 3D models to study cardiac ageing in space
• Elucidation of neurological risks and associated pathways after early-life cranial radiotherapy making use of a novel preclinical model
• Establishing a framework for dosimetry in ultra-short pulsed high dose rate “FLASH” electron radiations
• Evolution of microstructure, mineralogy and mechanical properties of metakaolin-based geopolymer under irradiation at early ages
• Impact on changing soil conditions following inundation on radionuclide and heavy metal (re)mobilization and the interplay with the soil microbiome
• Influence of redox conditions and organic matter on the partitioning and mobility of naturally occurring radionuclides (NOR‘s) in geothermal systems
• Integromics – Towards integration of big biomolecular data to enable systems biology
• Investigation of the effect of the pore fluid chemistry on the hydro-mechanical behavior of Boom Clay (C-H-M coupling behavior of Boom Clay)
• Long-term consequences of exposure to nuclear accident relevant radionuclides in Lemna minor from (epi)genetic to community level effects.
• Modelling of the dose-response for nephrotoxicity in preclinical targeted radionuclide therapy with 161Tb and 177Lu radiolabeled peptides
• Modelling of tumor control probability in preclinical targeted radionuclide therapy
• Multi-scale study of delayed ettringite formation in concrete
• Radiation-induced proneural-mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma: how does it work and how can it be prevented?
• Social dimensions of environmental management
• Studying the long-term effects of the nuclear Chernobyl accident on a radiosensitive plant, Pinus sylvestris, using a multi-level-omics approach
• Synergetic influence of leaching and alkali-silica reaction on the properties of cemented waste-forms containing high nitrate content
• Three Dimensional Flow-field Reconstruction using LIDAR Measurements for Near-Range Atmospheric Dispersion

Within the Institute for Nuclear Materials Science:

• Assessment of low irradiation temperature effects on hardening and embrittlement of reactor materials using destructive and non-destructive damage evaluation techniques
• Designing metal oxide-based stationary phases for the separation of 225Ac and 213Bi for biomedical applications
• Development of a new extraction system for selective americium separation from spent nuclear fuels
• Development of chelators for Ac-225 based radiopharmaceuticals
• Fatigue damage in fusion and GEN IV reactor steels: FEM modelling and experimental study
• Finite element investigations of loading rate and crack configuration effects to extract fracture toughness from the Charpy impact test
• Formation mechanisms of nanovoid and nanobubble superlattices in fissile materials
• Medical radioisotope supply chain design for security: efficiency, alignment and speed
• Thermal Conductivity evolution of MTR fuels with burnup accumulation
• Uranium speciation and corrosion mechanisms in nuclear fuel materials

Basic Information

• Domain : Nuclear Science and Technology
• Country : Belgium
• Organisation : SCK CEN

Important deadlines

Deadline for applications: March 31, 2021
First step: selection based on application file: April 30, 2021
Second step: oral presentation on the research topic: May 19, 20 and 21, 2021
Notification final result (the latest): June 30, 2021
Standard start date (earliest): October 1, 2021

More info HERE

Phd positions for nuclear chemist/chemist

Information about the division and the research
Chalmers University of Technology’s Department of Chemistry has about 300 employees which are working within four research divisions and one administrative unit.

The division of Energy and Materials hosts the research group of Nuclear Chemistry / Industrial Materials Recycling comprising 8 senior scientists as well as 11 PhD students and postdocs, headed by two professors in Nuclear Chemistry and Industrial Materials Recycling. The research group is highly international and has a wide international network.

Besides the research on material interactions in reactors at elevated temperatures, the group is specialized in aqueous chemistry and solvent extraction used for both recycling of materials and nuclear applications.

In the field of nuclear chemistry, there are four major research areas: 1)  novel nuclear fuels for the generation IV nuclear power systems, 2) radionuclide release from severe nuclear accidents, 3) partitioning and transmutation of spent fuel, and 4) final repository of radioactive waste. The nuclear chemistry research facilities are unique for an university in Europe, with a dedicated alpha laboratory for nuclear fuel research and a gamma lab with “hot cell” and irradiation source. In addition, there are several radiochemistry laboratories for trace-level work.

More information about the groups can be found on the webpage: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/chem/research/energymaterials/Pages/default.aspx

Basic Information

• Type : Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a  maximum of five years.
• Domain : Nuclear Chemistry
• Country : Sweden
• Organisation : CHALMERS University of Technology

Opportunity details

The full proposals can be found here:

PhD student position in High temperature material degradation in LEAD/BISMUTH eutectic melts, https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9117&rmlang=UK

PhD student position in Radiolysis and nuclear fuel dissolution, https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9116&rmlang=UK

PhD student position in Tellurium interactions with organics, https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9115&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 25 February, 2021