Nuclear data plays a crucial role in a wide variety of applications, including many related to national security [1]. There are key gaps in these data that require further study such as cross sections for neutron-induced nuclear reactions. Generally this work involves designing, modeling, and assembling accelerator beam experiments; traveling to external facilities to set up and perform the experiments; and building, calibrating, and characterizing radiation detectors. These radiation detectors can also be used for specific applications of interest, such as measuring ionizing radiation in the atmosphere [2]. Novel manufacturing approaches such as photopolymerization or 3D printing allow for detector geometries that would otherwise be impractical or even impossible [3].

Our lab works in all aspects of nuclear physics measurements as well as the development and characterization of radiation detectors. Successful applicants will have or be in progress to earn a PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field. Experience is desired in the areas of radiation detection, nuclear physics, data analysis (with C++ and Python), and radiation transport simulations.

[1] Karolina Kolos, Vladimir Sobes, Ramona Vogt, Catherine E. Romano, Michael S. Smith, Lee Bernstein, et al. "Current nuclear data needs for applications," Phys. Rev. Research 4, 021001, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.021001
[2] Jeffrey M Chaffin, Juan J Manfredi, Gregory S Bowers, William J Erwin, James C Petrosky, "High Elevation Radiation Array (HERA) detectors for airborne thunderstorm investigations," Nuclear Instruments and Methods A 1063, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169334
[3] Brian G Frandsen, Michael Febbraro, Thomas Ruland, Theodore W Stephens, Paul A Hausladen, Juan J Manfredi, James E Bevins, "Fast-, light-cured scintillating plastic for 3D-printing applications," Journal of Nuclear Engineering 4 (1), 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/jne4010019

key words

Nuclear physics; radiation detection; nuclear reactions; nuclear engineering; scintillators; novel materials; accelerator experiments; data analysis; detector arrays; radiation transport

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.