Nuclear Analysis Summer Student Summer Placement Didcot, England
Job description
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, and on to fundamental studies of materials.
The neutronics group is responsible for the nuclear analysis used to support the design and optimization of upgrades to the target, reflector and moderator assemblies as well as new neutron instrument beamlines. The main focus of the neutronics group is large scale simulation of the facility but we also have an increasing experimental program to gather data to support future facility designs.
Radiation transport simulations are key to designing safe and efficient neutron instruments at spallation sources such as ISIS. The radiation transport codes are being developed continually to utilise modern high performance computing facilities to enable us to tackle larger problems within a reasonable timeframe. The two main methods for radiation transport are Monte Carlo methods and deterministic methods. Deterministic methods discretise space, energy and angle to solve the transport equations usually on a regular structured grid, which can scale well on 100-100,000 computer processors.
Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities
This project will investigate a new deterministic transport code currently under development at Imperial College to enable it to simulate neutron instrument shielding. The code strives to use an unstructured mesh to define the geometry and achieve similar levels of scaling on high-performance computers.
The project will strive to extend and improve the code so it can be applied to a relevant facility problem. This will involve writing computer code to specify the output, integrating it with the main program, developing tests using UK leading high-performance computing and analysing the data.
Specifically, the successful student will learn about:
- radiation transport codes,
- contribution to leading research
- nuclear data,
- CAD and meshing,
- high performance computing,
- data analysis and computer programming.
In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:
Essential
- Are in full time education at university and returning to university/studies following the placement
- The right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement
- Studying physics or computing on track for 2:1 or better
- Experience of computer programming such as Python, C or Fortran
- Competent and confident using mathematics to solve problems
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Willingness to learn
- Enthusiasm
Desirable:
- Knowledge of STFC/ISIS
- Knowledge of nuclear physics
- Knowledge of radiation and radiation safety
- Knowledge of high performance computing
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
We would recommend you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
- Please note, we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
