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

Project Introduction: As part of our Fusion Science for Clean Energy programme, we have two openings for Research Fellow, to undertake experimental research on Runaway Electron (RE) beams in the WEST tokamak and in a dense plasma focus device using high-rate gamma-ray spectroscopy. RE beams typically occur during tokamak plasma disruptions and in pinched plasma disruptions in dense plasma focus devices. Bremsstrahlung scattering of these energetic electrons orbiting within the machine produce gamma-rays (of energy up to ~20 MeV) – making Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) one of the most essential diagnostics for experimental studies of RE beams. Because they can have a large amount of energy, RE beams represent a serious risk of damage to the tokamak. Moreover, this risk increases as the size of machine increases. Consequently, research on RE beams is becoming increasingly important as the size of tokamaks will likely continue to increase over the coming decades. The GRS diagnostic measurements planned for WEST are aimed at understanding and minimizing the damage risk posed by RE beams. GRS diagnostics will be developed and tested initially in Singapore on a dense plasma focus device which also produces gamma-rays due to plasma instabilities.

Requirements

Essential

• A PhD in Physics or Engineering with a strong background in pulsed power systems, and/or plasma/x-ray/gamma-ray diagnostics.
• Strong experience in handling vacuum system, high voltage (15 kV) and high current (200-300 kA) systems.
• Strong experience in development, operation and optimization of plasma devices and associated diagnostics.
• Experience or exposure to neutron, charged-particle and gamma-ray radiation measurements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with evidence of proven writing skills from research papers and research reports.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret experimental results.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research and prepare scientific data for publication, and successfully produce impactful publications.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to travel internationally (especially between Singapore and France).
• Will need to help in all aspects of project management from procurement of equipment and consumable to progress/final report writing.

Preferred

• Good knowledge of high-voltage high-current and radiation safety issues
• Good organizational skills.
• Able to work within given deadlines with an eye for details.
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Able to help in supervision of Ph.D. students.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize and optimize dense plasma focus device (DPF) for gamma ray production.
• Assist in development of Gamma Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) diagnostics and implement it on Plasma Focus Device in NIE/NTU.
• Work on plasma and charged-particle diagnostics on plasma focus device to correlate the gamma ray emission with other emission characteristics of plasma focus device.
• Assist SRF in transfer, setup and operation of GRS on WEST Tokamak in France.

Application

Applicants (external and internal) will apply via Workday. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Req IDs: R00014860 (https://ntu.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/NTU-Main-Campus-Singapore/Research-Fellow--Natural-Sciences-and-Science-Education-Academic-Group--NIE-_R00014860) & R00014862 (https://ntu.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/NTU-Main-Campus-Singapore/Research-Fellow--Natural-Sciences-and-Science-Education-Academic-Group--NIE-_R00014862)

Closing Date

Closing date for advertisements will be set to 14 calendar days from date of posting.