Research Assistant/Associate in Monte Carlo Radiation Transport and Reactor Analysis (Fixed Term)

Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK

We are looking for an adventurous researcher to explore Monte Carlo methods for radiation transport (as part of the EPSRC grant, MaThRad). The Cambridge Nuclear Energy group is developing a modern, modifiable radiation transport code, SCONE. We are looking for software developers/researchers with experience of implementing physical models who are keen to understand radiation transport and Monte Carlo code development. The ideal candidate will work within a team to improve SCONE whilst also contributing ideas to expand the application of Monte Carlo methods.

Areas of interest include Monte Carlo applied to reactor multi-physics (static and dynamic), radiation shielding and variance reduction, medical physics and charged particle transport, and algorithmic acceleration techniques. Researchers will have significant freedom in deciding their preferred direction.

This position includes the possibility to undertake an academic or industrial placement with one of our 26 partners. Among others, partners include: MIT, Tsinghua University, EPFL, Jacobs, UCLH, NASA, CEA, EDF Energy, Rolls Royce, CCFE.

The successful candidate must have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Physics or Nuclear Engineering, preferably in the fields of Reactor Physics and Radiation Transport Modelling Methods. They should have a strong mathematical foundation in Monte Carlo methods, proven ability of their application, demonstrated software development skills and an ability to work in a team. Applicants with a related background should provide evidence of their versatility.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant: £29,605 - £33,966, Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter, indicating your interest with one of the Program Grant themes (http://tinyurl.com/43r4z523), in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions of a technical nature about this vacancy, please contact Prof Eugene Shwageraus (es607@cam.ac.uk)  or if they concern the application process, contact Mrs Jo Boyle (jb780@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference NM41218 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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