Senior Research Fellow (Natural Sciences and Science Education Department)[NIE]

The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Senior Research Fellow on a 2-year contract at the Natural Sciences and Science Education Department.

Project Title: Fusion Science for Clean Energy: Gamma-ray Spectroscopy diagnostic for WEST

Project Introduction: As part of our Fusion Science for Clean Energy programme at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, we have two openings for  Senior Research Fellows to undertake experimental gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements on Runaway Electron (RE) beams at the WEST Tokamak, France. This superconducting tokamak uses the same tungsten mono-block divertor technology as ITER and has a full tungsten plasma-facing first wall. Runaway electrons in WEST have beam currents up to several 100 kA, electron energies up to about 25 MeV,  and produce intense bremsstrahlung gamma-ray emission. Large-volume LaBr3(Ce) scintillation detectors and digital pulse processing are central to the gamma-ray spectroscopy system being developed to cope with the high count-rates and wide gamma-ray energy range (Eγ ~ 2 to 20 MeV) resulting from RE bremsstrahlung. The scintillation detector response function for gamma-rays and neutrons (and effectiveness of detector shielding) will be studied using MCNP6 and GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations. The overall experimental goal is to unfold the runaway electron spectrum as a function of time during tokamak shots, and to interpret this data, together with results from other tokamak diagnostics. Runaway electron beams caused by plasma disruptions are of great concern for ITER and future reactors based on the tokamak concept. The Senior Research Fellows will split their time between Singapore and France.

Requirements:

• A PhD in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, nuclear engineering or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years post PhD research experience
• Experimental research experience in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, or plasma fusion diagnostics
• Expertise in advanced applications of gamma-ray or neutron measurement techniques
• Knowledge of gamma-ray spectroscopy using LaBr3(Ce), GAGG(Ce), or other modern scintillators
• Experience with Digital Pulse Processing for nuclear radiation measurements
• Experience with MCNP or GEANT4 simulation codes is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research

Responsibilities:

• Work on development of Gamma Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) diagnostic on WEST
• Assist with various aspects of project management, from procurement of equipment and consumables to report writing
• Take a leading role in GRS measurements during WEST experimental campaigns
• Perform Monte Carlo simulations using GEANT4 and/or MCNP
• Investigate the most reliable and robust method of unfolding RE energy spectra from the measured gamma-ray spectra
• Analyse all related experimental data
• Contribute actively to publication of experimental results
• Any other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 30 calendar days from date of posting.

Hiring Institution: NIE