PhD Student in Applied Nuclear Physics

About the role

The Nuclear Structure Group at Lund University's Division of Particle and Nuclear Physics is recruiting one PhD student to work on the project "From Lundium to L.U.N.D.I.U.M." funded by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. The project repurposes state-of-the-art detector components from the Lundium decay station into a next-generation device for identifying unknown radioactive sources and environmental monitoring, with alpha-beta-gamma resolution. The student will be admitted as a student and employed at Lund University, studying full-time for four years.

Key responsibilities

• Optimise the geometry and components of the new device using Monte Carlo Geant4 simulations, adapting existing detectors to measure environmental filter and electroplated samples.
• Coordinate the mechanical construction of the device and develop its data acquisition system and data analysis framework.
• Validate measurements with simulated contamination samples from the IAEA for yearly proficiency tests.
• Develop methods to analyse radioactive aerosols from environmental samples, collaborating with the Biospheric and Anthropogenic Radioactivity group on sample collection and preparation.
• Collaborate with researchers at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, on a comparable measurement station.
• Report results in journal articles, reports to the funding body and conference contributions; participate in teaching and departmental work (up to 20% of time).

Required profile

• At least 45 second-cycle credits in physics or engineering physics, or a master's degree in these fields (equivalent education assessed individually).
• Completion of at least 60 credits of courses directly relevant to the PhD.
• Strong independent work, problem-solving, written and oral communication, and collaboration skills.
• Very good spoken and written English.

Required skills

• Excellent laboratory skills with contemporary radiation detectors (an advantage)
• Proficiency with multi-parameter data acquisition systems (an advantage)
• Modern object-oriented programming (an advantage)
• Previous experience with ionizing radiation detection and Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (advantages)

Applications are written in English and include a CV, cover letter, copies of study certificates and other supporting documents. Selection is based on the ability to complete the doctoral education, mainly assessed through study results and a possible interview.