The MIT Plasma Science & Fusion Center (PSFC) is world-leader in the research of plasma physics and the development of fusion energy. It is located on the main campus of MIT in Cambridge MA. Combining mid-scale experimental facilities and extensive engineering capabilities with over 200 exceptional faculty, staff, and students, the PSFC has a fifty-year history of relentless innovation, technical achievement, and dedicated education. The PSFC has been central to several recent fusion breakthroughs, including conceiving the SPARC tokamak (link), demonstrating the first large-scale 20 tesla superconducting fusion magnet (link), and analyzing the record-breaking plasma shot at the National Ignition Facility (link).
The Schmidt Laboratory for Materials in Nuclear Technologies (LMNT, link), at the MIT PSFC provides rapid, high-fidelity irradiation of bulk material specimens with intense beams of 10-30 MeV protons to emulate radiation damage in materials intended for use in fission, fusion, and high energy accelerator applications. LMNT seeks a postdoctoral associate to lead research efforts in applied nuclear physics that are important to the success of the laboratory. The primary responsibilities are: (1) the design, fabrication and operation of experiments to measure neutron- and proton-induced nuclear cross sections; (2) the measurement, analysis, and publication of nuclear cross sections; (3) the production of nuclear data libraries suitable for use in computational modeling; and (4) the use of radiation detectors and modeling tools, such as particle transport and isotope inventory codes, to design and support materials irradiation experiments. In addition, the position will contribute to the development of a novel database for fusion materials performance to serve the growing private fusion energy sector.
A Ph. D. in experimental nuclear physics, nuclear science and engineering, or related field with experience in nuclear cross section measurements for neutron and light ion induced nuclear reactions. Expert knowledge of the equipment (e.g. particle accelerators, radiation detectors, data acquisition systems), modeling tools (e.g. Monte Carlo particle transport codes like Geant4 and PHITS, nuclear data processing tools like NJOY and PREPRO), and analysis methods required to generate nuclear cross sections and nuclear data libraries is required. Experience with nuclear inventory codes (e.g. FISPACT-II), nuclear reaction modeling tools (e.g. TALYS), and formal cross section evaluation procedures is preferred. Working knowledge of Python and C++ programming languages is important. The ideal candidate will have publications and conference presentations in one or more of the areas above and strong scientific communication skills. Intelligence, willingness to learn, embracing technical challenges, and an eagerness to collaborate within a larger team are key qualifications.
This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding.
Application material should include a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references. This material should be submitted as a single PDF in the resume field of the application.
This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.
Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.