The National Institute of Education invites suitable applications for the position of Research Fellow on a 4 years contract at the Natural Sciences and Science Education Academic Group.

Project Title: Fusion Science for Clean Energy: Gamma-ray Spectroscopy diagnostic for WEST [NRF 3/23 SSV]

Project Introduction:

As part of our Fusion Science for Clean Energy programme at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, we have an opening for a Senior Research Fellow to undertake experimental gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements on Runaway Electron (RE) beams at the WEST tokamak, which has a full tungsten first wall and divertor configuration with superconducting magnets. Gamma-ray emissions from fusion plasmas occur either due to relativistic runaway electrons born in disruptions, or to nuclear reactions involving fast ions. For example, fast alpha-particles emitted from DT reactions cause (_^9)Be(α,nγ)(_^12)C reactions producing E_γ=4.4 MeV gamma-rays. At WEST, the RE beam current can be several 100 kA with electron energies up to about 25 MeV. Hence, these RE beams produce intense gamma-ray emission via bremsstrahlung scattering in the plasma and tungsten wall. A GRS system based on large-volume LaBr3(Ce) scintillation detectors with digital pulse processing is being developed to cope with high count-rates and a wide range of gamma-ray energies E_γ ~ 1 to 20 MeV produced by runaway electron bremsstrahlung. LaBr3(Ce) detector response to both gamma-rays and neutrons will be studied by Monte Carlo simulation using MCNP6 or GEANT4. The Senior Research Fellow will split their time between two locations. Part of their time will be spent at NTU in Singapore, developing and testing GRS diagnostics, performing simulations and data analysis. Part of their time will be spent at Cadarache, France, fielding the GRS diagnostics and participating in experimental campaigns on the WEST tokamak.

Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) diagnostics are of expanding importance for tokamaks as the runaway electron beam transfers a large amount of energy - representing a serious risk of damage to the machine, and this risk increases as the size of machine increases. Consequently, the importance of gamma-ray diagnostics will continue to develop over the coming decades as the sizes of fusion devices increase.

Requirements

Essential

• A PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in gamma-ray and/or neutron radiation detection
• Experience with modern scintillators such as LaBr3(Ce), CeBr3, YAP(Ce), LYSO, CLYC, etc.
• Digital Pulse Processing for nuclear radiation detectors
• Experience performing Monte Carlo simulations using MCNP or GEANT4 is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and produce impactful publications
• Have preferably three years of relevant experience beyond PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field
• Able to travel internationally, especially between Singapore and France

Responsibilities

• Work on development of Gamma Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) diagnostics
• Help with aspects of project management - from procurement of equipment and consumable to report writing
• Perform GRS measurements during WEST experimental campaigns
• Perform Monte Carlo simulations using GEANT4 or MCNP
• Analyse GRS data to obtain the Runaway Electron energy spectrum
• Contribute substantially to publication of GRS experimental results

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