Job openings

CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

Fundamental physics experiments with ultracold neutrons (UCN) are limited by neutron counting statistics. New developments to increase UCN intensities would push the limits of our knowledge further, e.g. on the not-yet understood asymmetry observed between matter and antimatter in our Universe, on the production of light elements after the Big Bang, and on important parameters of the Standard Model of particle physics.
The strategy for the next generation n2EDM experiment based at PSI in Switzerland is to increase UCN statistics by a larger precession chamber volume, and by enhancing the PSI UCN source output several factors due to an improved control of the material structure of the solid deuterium (sD2) converter.

The Laboratory of Particle Physics (LTP) at the Paul Scherrer Institute pursues fundamental research, addressing the most up to date questions in modern physics. Together with researchers from Switzerland and abroad, we use the world’s most intensive sources for low-energy muons, pions and ultracold neutrons at PSI.

The main strategy in this PhD work is exploiting material structure information from the UCN energy spectra extracted from the sD2 converter, including the time evolution of the sD2 at around 5 K, and implementing this into neutron scattering kernels for the simulation of the UCN output matching all experimental observations. The expected result of this project is improving the modeling capabilities of converter materials to enhance the PSI UCN source output especially for the n2EDM project, and the output of UCN sources in general for fundamental physics experiments. A novel neutronics simulation model linking consistently all neutron observations from the sD2 converter operation and dedicated test experiments would help in our optimization strategy to increase the UCN output.
We offer a 48 months position for a PhD student with starting date 1 September 2018. The academic supervisor will be Prof. Klaus Kirch from ETHZ/PSI. The PhD student will work in a very active expert environment in experimental neutron physics involving the UCN physics group and the neutronics simulation group at PSI.

University degree in physics with strong background in mathematical, numerical and experimental methods, advanced programming skills, a creative personality focused on problem-solving, excellent communication skills in English.

Please submit per e-mail:

1. letter of application
2. CV
3. academic record
4. transcript of records
5. reference contacts

Deadline for applying is the 15. June 2018

Lund, Sweden; Significant amounts of travel will be needed during the construction project

The Science Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) invites applications for an instrument scientist for the LOKI instrument for Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS).

The Neutron Instruments Division houses the instrument scientists and post-docs, responsible for designing, constructing and then operating the neutron instruments of the ESS. New designs for a wide range of neutron instruments are in the process of being implemented, optimized to take full advantage of the unique long-pulse time structure of the ESS neutron source. There are currently 15 instruments under construction for ESS, of which there are two instruments for Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS); LOKI and SKADI.

The current position will provide support for the lead scientist for LOKI, a high-throughput broadband SANS instrument, optimized for soft matter and life sciences. The immediate mission is to act as the scientific co-lead of the project to design, procure, install and commission the LOKI instrument. The two instrument scientists will work closely with the lead engineer, forming the core instrument team. It is expected that the instrument project will run until 2022, followed by commissioning and operations, at which stage the mission will be to operate the instrument within the ESS user programme.
LOKI is being built as an in-kind contribution from the UK, with the ISIS facility in Oxfordshire identified as the lead partner. The successful candidate will be primarily based ESS in Lund, but frequent travel between ISIS and ESS will be required throughout the instrument construction project.

The position will also require work in support of delivering scientific results for both SANS instruments. This may involve specifying sample environment equipment, software needs and support and coordination with SKADI, the other SANS instrument under construction at ESS.

The successful candidate must be active in a scientific field of direct relevance to LOKI (soft matter, life science, or materials research). The selected candidate will be given the opportunity to develop their own research projects, preferably at operating neutron research centres. Synergies with the neighbouring MAX-IV synchrotron as well as strong links with universities will be encouraged. ESS will support and encourage the candidate to take up an adjunct position at a university in an ESS partner country, in order to facilitate their own research.

What ESS can offer

ESS can offer you a variety of things, such as passionate colleagues, a vibrant melting pot of diversity, and a challenging and high paced work environment where our employees take great pride in designing and building a world leading facility for materials research.

If you were to join ESS, you would become an important piece of the puzzle, since all our skilled staff are needed in order to fulfill the overall mission. We value and need expertise, innovative minds, great ways of leading and interacting with others, and the ability to work with people regardless of culture and background.

Duration & Location

The position is permanent with six months initial probationary period. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden. Significant amounts of travel will be needed during the construction project. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Essential qualifications and experience

• PhD in experimental studies in the natural sciences relevant to the LOKI scientific programme
• Extensive practical experience in neutron or synchrotron x-ray small-angle scattering applied to a scientific area of relevance to LOKI, as well as relevant research experience in that area.
• Experience of neutron instrumentation development
• Evidence of a strong independent research profile in relevant science areas commensurate with experience
• Ability to work collaboratively and individually
• Good interpersonal communication and presentation skills, ability to interact effectively with staff and users at all levels.
• Flexibility to occasional requests to work out-of-hours to support users
• Responsible attitude to personal safety, and the safety of others
• Willingness to international travel, distributing their time between ESS and ISIS as required by the project

Desirable experience

• Practical knowledge of other neutron techniques relevant to materials research
• Post-doctoral experience involving neutron instrumentation
• Practical experience of sample environment development relating to materials research
• Experience of working in a project environment
• Experience of Monte-Carlo simulation of neutron instruments
• Experience of sample environment equipment relevant to SANS
• Working knowledge of one or more of the data analysis/visualisation packages used within ESS/ISIS (e.g. MatLab, Python, Mantid, etc.)
• Availability to commence position shortly after appointment (September 2018)

Experience of working in an international environment is preferred and excellent oral and written English skills are a prerequisite.

Our work environment is characterised by fast growth, fast pace of work, and an international atmosphere with highly skilled personnel. You must therefore enjoy the diversity of such an environment and have a personality suited for the challenges it presents. Our work environment is exciting and forward thinking and relies heavily on personal initiative.

Please provide your curriculum vitae and cover letter in English when applying online Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website or ESS intranet. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through the intranet.

The deadline for applications is the 6th of May, 2018.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process in general, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process.

For further information regarding the open position, please contact Head of Neutron Instruments Division, Ken Andersen, ken.andersen@esss.se.

For further information regarding the recruitment process for this position, please contact HR Officer, Tina Nilsson, tina.nilsson@esss.se.

For trade union information please contact Unionen / Michela Dell’Anno Boulton at +46 46 888 30 72 or SACO / Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers/ Riccardo Bevilacqua +46 46 888 32 28.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

The Superconducting Linac (SCL) Systems Group Engineer will lead, supervise or support the SCL Systems group’s efforts within the SCL Systems Group in the Research Accelerator Division. The group is responsible for safe, reliable and cost effective operation, maintenance, and improvement of the cryomodules, cryogenic plant, and cryogenic distribution systems that comprise the SNS superconducting linear accelerator; for design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of SRF/Cryogenic test facilities at SNS; for research, engineering and development of SRF/Cryogenic parts or systems for the SNS machine upgrade or in collaboration with partners; for system engineering associated with the helium components of the cryogenic moderator system that supports the SNS neutron production target; and for providing cryogenic engineering and design efforts in support of other cryogenic systems that may be installed at the SNS facility.

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States’ highest flux reactor based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world’s most intense pulsed accelerator based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out more than 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to: http://neutrons.ornl.gov.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with PPU cavity and fundamental power coupler procurement
• Act as technical liason with critical PPU vendors to ensure quality within budget and schedule restraints
• Participate in vendor and partner lab qualification for PPU deliverables
• Serve as the deputy to the PPU SCL Cavities level III manager
• Participate in qualification and processing of fundamental power couplers
• Travel to vendor and partner laboratory to ensure quality is maintained throughout the cryomodule fabrication effort for PPU
• Leads or participates in design, development, construction, and operation of SNS SRF/cryogenics/Cryomodule systems.
• Direct technicians/crafts for successful component fabrication, assembly, and installation.
• Review and approve SCL Systems Group procedures and engineering drawings.
• Mentors or cross-train other staff members to enrich the body of knowledge within the SCL Systems Group.
• Performs training and safety presentations.
• Assembles, tests, certifies, and documents SNS linac cryogenic/cryomodule components
• Observe, document, and communicate designs, methods, materials, and equipment required for the operations, assembly, and development processes.
• Sets up and operates process and test equipment and apparatus
• Ensures compliance with ESH and quality procedures and programs. May participate in the development and communication of safety and quality procedures
• Maintains a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of laboratory values and ethics.

Authority/Approval Levels

• Approve PPU SCL Systems Group procedures and engineering drawings.
• Provides work directions/guidance to engineers, technicians, subcontractors, and vendors within guidelines established by the PPU SCL Level II Manager. Initiates procurement of materials and services.

Work Directions and Interfaces

• Reports to the PPU SCL Level II Manager
• Interfaces with SCL Systems Group members, SNS and ORNL staffs, and professional peers at other institutes
• Keeps strong commitment to team environment dynamics

Measures of Effectiveness

• Success in the fulfillment of all major duties and responsibility.
• Success as measured by the ORNL Employee Performance Management process.
• Successfully provides leadership and guidance to technicians and craft resources.
• Successfully creates a work safe environment that complies with SNS ESH&Q programs.
• Successfully performs assigned tasks within schedules.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in mechanical technology or related technical field
• 10 or more years of relevant experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience with superconducting cavity processing methods, cryomodule fabrication and assembly, cryogenics, high-vacuum systems and cleanroom techniques
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team of scientists, engineers, technicians and trades/crafts desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Willing to learn new skills and train others
• Experience working in a clean production environment
• Experience using mechanical and electronic test and measurement equipment

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word(.doc, .docx), Excel(.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint(.ppt, .pptx), Adobe(.pdf), Rich Text Format(.rtf), HTML ( .htm, .hmtl) and text files(.txt) up to 2MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ornlrecruiting@ornl.gov.

Notice: If the position requires a Security Clearance, reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 will be conducted by the employer and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment and subsequent reinvestigations may be required.

If the position is covered by the Counterintelligence Evaluation Program regulations at 10 CFR 709, a counterintelligence evaluation may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify Employer.

Kjeller, Norway

A Postdoctoral Fellowship for 2 years is available at the Department for Neutron Materials Characterization in connection with the project “Reflectivity and Interface Diffraction Studies of Emergent thin-film Magnetoelectrics (RIDSEM)”. The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway, and is a collaboration between the University of Oslo and IFE. It focuses on the synthesis, structural and magnetic characterization of magnetoelectric multilayer systems.

The Department for Neutron Materials Characterization at IFE has as main goal to utilize the neutron beams from the JEEP II nuclear reactor at Kjeller and is responsible for the construction and operation of the national infrastructure NcNeutron –the Norwegian Center for Neutron Research. NcNeutron is currently upgrading several of its instruments. In addition, a new neutron reflectometer is currently under construction and will be operational by the end of 2020.

Job description

• Perform reflectivity experiments at large-scale synchrotron X-ray and neutron facilities such as SNBL, ESRF, SLS, Diamond, ISIS, ILL, NIST and FRM-II and carry out the relevant data analysis.
• Contribute to competence development in neutron reflectometry through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Be actively involved in the construction of the new neutron reflectometer at IFE.
• Attend joint beamtimes on surface and interface diffraction in close collaboration with the second postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oslo.

We offer

• IFE strives to offer its employees a positive and social work environment. The successful candidate will work in a relevant and research-intensive environment with a focus on innovation.
• Wages in accordance with agreement.
• Social benefits including pension, life insurance and accident insurance

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to have a PhD or similar in physics, chemistry, materials science or a closely related field. A strong background in solid state physics, chemistry and magnetism is required, preferably with emphasis on thin-film magnetism. Priority will be given to applicants who possess previous experience in reflectometry, the use of polarized neutrons and surface/interface diffraction.

Personal qualities

• The evaluation of candidates will be based on scientific qualifications and ability to communicate efficiently. Good knowledge of the English language is essential.
• We use background checks as a part of our recruitment process

Apply via the employers website.

Long Island, New York, USA

The Nuclear Science and Technology Department has an opening for a Data Analysis Specialist in the Materials in a Radiation Environment Program Office to participate in the data analysis of high-energy x-ray techniques, including scattering, spectroscopy and imaging. The data analyst will use commercial software packages, open source software and NSLS-II specific applications to collect, process and analyze data from the NSLS-II for the nuclear energy materials science community. Python programming will be used to develop stand-alone applications, scripts and GUI’s for automating the data analysis processes. MRE will be installing an X-ray Diffraction Computed Tomography System that will require development of reconstruction and imaging techniques. High-throughput and in situ experiments require automated analysis techniques.

The mission of the Materials in a Radiation Environment (MRE) Program Office within the Nuclear Science and Technology Department is to increase access to synchrotron characterization techniques to researchers studying materials for nuclear energy applications. We develop unique experimental infrastructure and support a large user community dedicated to material science for advanced nuclear reactors and extending the life of existing reactors. We use various beamlines at the National Synchrotron Light Source-II to study radioactive materials and radiation effects. We are designing a new facility with multiple high-energy x-ray beamlines capable of handling more highly radioactive materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist synchrotron users with data analysis. This work includes participation in experimental planning, assistance with data collection and training users in data analysis.
• Work with controls engineers and physicist for the installation of an x-ray tomography system. Primary responsibility for data acquisition, reconstruction and visualization for the system.
• Automate data analysis through dedicated scripts for commercial software and stand-alone python applications with GUI.
• Work as primary point of contact for performing tasks associated with data analysis with the NSLS-II operations staff (controls engineers, application developers, and beamline staff).
• Develop and maintain documentation of data analysis and development of user guides.

At Brookhaven National Laboratory, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limitied to:

• Medical Plans
• Dental Plans
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Swimming Pool, Weight Room, Tennis Courts, and many other employee perks and benefits

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field of basic or applied science
• Minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques for X-ray characterization techniques
• Knowledge of python programming
• Able to support data analysis through all experimental phases from acquisition, technique and application development and automating analysis of large data sets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with a diverse group of scientists, engineers and technical staff

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• PhD or Masters degree in physics, materials science or engineering
• Experience with large data sets
• Experience in analytical modeling, statistical techniques or machine learning
• Experience in X-ray data analysis, particularly tomography, imaging and data fusion (combining data from separate techniques into one data set and facilitating visualization)
• Experience in application development
• Experience in the collection of synchrotron data and user support

Other information

• Occasional travel
• Occasional shift and weekend work for supporting x-ray data collection

Environmental, Health, and Safety Considerations

• Must be willing to handle small quantities of radioactive material

We invite you to consider Brookhaven National Laboratory for employment. To be considered for this position, please apply online at BNL Careers and enter the job title into the Keyword Search.

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

The Radio-Frequency (RF) Systems Manager will serve as the Level 2 manager for the Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) Project within the Neutron Sciences Directorate. Additionally, this matrixed position will have operational responsibilities within the Electrical and RF Systems Group.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as the Level 2 manager for RF Systems within the Proton Power Upgrade Project, reporting to the PPU Project Director. Project responsibilities to include:
  • technical integration of the RF Systems scope of work
  • management of Level 3 project managers
  • development of cost and schedule estimates
  • maintenance and follow-up of risk register and action items from reviews
  • presentation of RF Systems scope in reviews (Advisory, Dept. of Energy, and Readiness)
• Serve as Project Engineer within the Electrical and RF Systems Group
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values, ethics, and diversity

Work Directions and Interfaces

• Reports to the PPU Project Director (matrix management)
• Reports to the Electrical and RF Systems Group Leader (line management)
• Interfaces with Electrical and RF Systems Group members, NScD staff, ORNL business services, professional peers from non-ORNL institutions, vendors and visitors
• Represents the PPU Project and the Electrical and RF Systems Group within ORNL and at professional conferences, workshops, and collaboration meetings

Authority/Approval Levels
Provides work direction to PPU Level 3 managers, technical staff and subcontractors within guidelines established by the PPU Project Director and the Electrical and RF Systems Group Leader

Measures of Effectiveness

• Success in the fulfillment of all major duties and responsibilities
• Success as measured by the ORNL Employee Performance Management process
• Safe execution of all responsibilities in accordance with ORNL ES&H requirements

Qualifications Required

• M.S. degree in Engineering or Physics
• Expertise in the design, deployment and operation of particle accelerator technologies
• Experience executing Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, projects
• Demonstrated success working in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with DOE Order 413.3B, “Program and Project Management for the Acquisition of Capital Assets”
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: RF power systems, klystrons, low-level RF controls, high-voltage pulsed power, magnet power supplies, and A/C power conversion and distribution

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word(.doc, .docx), Excel(.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint(.ppt, .pptx), Adobe(.pdf), Rich Text Format(.rtf), HTML and text files(.txt) up to 2MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ornlrecruiting@ornl.gov.

Notice: If the position requires a Security Clearance, reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 will be conducted by the employer and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment and subsequent reinvestigations may be required.

If the position is covered by the Counterintelligence Evaluation Program regulations at 10 CFR 709, a counterintelligence evaluation may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify Employer.