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Research Fellow - Physics and Astronomy - 100081

Employer
University of Birmingham
Location
United Kingdom
Salary
£32,348 to £44,737
Closing date
Sep 4, 2022
Position Details

Physics and Astronomy, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,348 to £42,155, with potential progression once in post to £44,737

Grade 7

Full Time - Fixed Term contract up to 31 August 2023

Closing date: 4th September

Background

The High-Flux Accelerator-Driven Neutron Facility (HF-ADNeF) is a national user facility funded through the NNUF (National Nuclear User Facilities) programme and is due to be commissioned in 2022. Though this facility is predominantly for materials research, we have obtained funding for feasibility work towards nuclear astrophysics experiments at HF-ADNeF. This is an exciting opportunity at a world-leading facility in the UK and to work towards a future nuclear astrophysics capability using intense neutron beams.

Role Summary

The post-holder will carry out the initial simulation and testing work required to enable the design of a modular and moveable nuclear-astrophysics end-station with neutron beams. The project is ideally suited to someone who enjoys thinking outside the box and testing innovative solutions. The post-holder will:
  • be responsible for simulations of neutron collimation and radiation (neutron and gamma) shielding to allow semiconductor detectors to be used for nuclear reactions between neutron beams and thin foil targets;
  • carry out initial in-beam tests of various parts of the collimator and shielding required to assess performance and iterate designs

Main Duties

The high flux accelerator-driven neutron source is based in the Medical Physics Building of the School of Physics & Astronomy and will be involved in a wide variety of research and commercial projects - predominantly focused on materials research for the fission and fusion communities. Thus, any end-station suitable for sensitive nuclear astrophysics studies, must be both modular and moveable as well as comprising materials with low neutron activation cross sections. This post is for a project to simulate, design and test components of a modular neutron collimation system and shielded measurement area at the neutron facility. The long-term aim is to work towards making measurements utilising both fast and thermal neutron beams for nuclear astrophysics experiments, such as those relevant to the astrophysical slow neutron capture process that takes place in giant stars.This facility shares the building with the School's MC40 Cyclotron. Both accelerators benefit from a shared pool of operators and other technical posts as well as a wealth of expertise on neutron production, measurement and shielding. The post-holder will work within the nuclear physics group and alongside the accelerator operating team as well as liaising with workshop technicians on fabrication in our state-of-the-art workshops located in the School of Physics and Astronomy. The post-holder will be responsible for the following.
  • Perform detailed simulations using the neutron-source term to design a neutron- and gamma-shielded detector station with astrophysics reaction target, comprising the following tasks:
    • Build a simple Monte-Carlo model of the shielded area using GEANT4/MCNP including the neutron-target source term and the provisional collimator design.
    • Optimise the shielding design for neutron rate at the secondary target position and use simulations to benchmark options for neutron monitoring for flux measurements after the collimator during experiments.
    • Run FISPACT-II calculations to check for activation-product accumulation in both the collimator, prior to in-beam testing of components.
    • Once a full working design has been constructed, optimise the apparatus for simple mounting/dismounting.
  • Perform detailed simulations using the neutron-source term to optimise a neutron collimator for fast neutrons, comprising the following tasks:
    • Build a simple Monte-Carlo model of the neutron collimator using MCNP including the neutron-target source term. This will draw heavily on both Birmingham expertise and existing literature.
    • Optimise the neutron collimator design for neutron rate at the secondary target position.
    • Cross-check the model in GEANT4 and merge with the detector measurement station simulations.
    • Construct simple benchmark tests, for experimentally establishing the efficacy of the collimator, e.g. using stacks of activation foils that have different neutron activation energies. In this way the neutron intensity across the neutron energy spectrum can be verified.
  • Produce (with the aid of the workshop engineers and HF-ADNeF technicians) and test the neutron collimator and neutron-shielded detector station, comprising the following tasks:
    • Test the collimator in-beam using the benchmarking reactions and initially low-flux.
    • Subject to successful completion of low-flux in-beam collimator tests, perform collimator tests at higher flux.Iterate collimator design aspects as required.
    • Fabricate the detector measurement area. Test the shielded detector enclosure, starting at low-flux before increasing.
    • Both neutron and gamma benchmark tests will be performed.
  • Perform simulations to optimise a moderator and beam-shaping assembly aimed at producing an epithermal neutron beam.As part of the nuclear physics group at Birmingham you will be expected to:
    • Participate in collaborative experiments at both the Birmingham facilities and abroad.
    • Disseminate your work via publications and conference presentations.
    • Contribute to day-to-day supervision of PhD students.
    • Undertake a small amount of teaching, e.g. laboratory demonstration.
    • Take advantage of numerous CPD and other training opportunities.
    • Adhere to all local, School and University safety policies.
    • Carry out any other duties as directed by the Accelerator Director.


Person specification

The tasks detailed in this document are complex, multifaceted and require skills ranging from simulations and coding, optimisation strategies, neutron physics, design, awareness of the fabrication-process and experimental aptitude in order to test and benchmark the performance of components.
  • PhD (or near completion to) in experimental nuclear physics
  • Significant previous simulation experience with either GEANT4 and/or MCNPSignificant hands-on knowledge of nuclear electronics and measurement systems
  • Experience of working within a research environment
  • Good problem solving skills
  • Good written communications skills including a publication and presentation track record
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • Willingness to work with radiation and radioactivity and to adhere to all safety controls which are in place

Desirable:
  • Computer-aided design and fabrication experienceWorking knowledge of vacuum systems
  • Experience in working within a radiation environment
  • A working knowledge of high vacuum technology
  • Familiarity with the operation of mechanical workshop equipment such as lathes, milling machines and drills

Informal enquires to Carl Wheldon c.wheldon@bham.ac.uk

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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