Validation of Monte Carlo simulation codes based on high-precision experimental data H/F

CEA; Gif-sur-Yvette; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Une entreprise d'énergie et de recherche nucléaire recherche un chercheur post-doctoral pour le projet VALERIAN, dédié à la validation des codes de simulation Monte Carlo. Le candidat travaillera sur des systèmes de haute performance pour analyser les interactions des particules et participera à la collecte de données expérimentales au CERN, avec un accent sur le développement de jumeaux numériques permettant une modélisation précise. Un doctorat en simulation numérique ou physique nucléaire est exigé.

Qualifications

• PhD en simulation numérique, physique nucléaire, ou neutronics requis.
• Expérience en simulations Monte Carlo est un plus.
• Capacité à travailler sur des systèmes HPC pour des simulations significatives.

Responsabilités

• Valider des codes de simulation basés sur des données expérimentales de haute précision.
• Développer et modéliser un jumeau numérique du banc d'essai avec des outils de simulation Monte Carlo.
• Contribuer à la collecte et au post-traitement des données expérimentales liées aux modules ITkPix.

Connaissances

Simulation numérique

Physique nucléaire

Neutronics

Formation

Doctorat en simulation numérique, physique nucléaire ou neutronics

Description du poste

Validation of Monte Carlo simulation codes based on high-precision experimental data H/F

Category

Instrumentation, metrology and control

Contract

Postdoc

Job title

Validation of Monte Carlo simulation codes based on high-precision experimental data H/F

Subject

CEA is hiring a post-doctoral researcher to work on the VALERIAN project over a period of two years. The candidate will be hosted at SERMA and collaborate with all involved CEA units. Activities include collecting and post-processing experimental data related to ITkPix modules for the ATLAS experiments at CERN, and developing a digital twin of the test bench using Monte Carlo simulation tools. Development of simulation codes may also be initiated.

Accurately modeling the coupled propagation of electrons and photons in matter is crucial for CEA's flagship programs, such as radiation shielding and nuclear instrumentation. These processes involve numerous interactions, requiring time-consuming Monte Carlo simulations, often performed on High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems to obtain statistically meaningful results efficiently. Validation involves parametric studies and experimental measurements, especially given the scarcity of publicly available data. Comparisons between simulation codes like TRIPOLI-4, MCNP, and GEANT4 are essential, especially in scenarios involving neutron, photon, and electron transport.

The VALERIAN project aims to address observed discrepancies between these codes by leveraging a unique data collection campaign planned at CEA from 2025 to 2027. CEA will perform quality control on at least 700 pixel modules for the new inner tracker of the ATLAS experiment, with measurements of crossing particle fluxes using beta sources. These tests, conducted at Saclay on a dedicated bench, will ensure precise control of experimental parameters. The project will develop numerical twins of the IRFU test bench with TRIPOLI-4, MCNP, and GEANT4, validating them with experimental data. Project members will also contribute to the operation and optimization of the test bench.

Methods / Means

PhD in numerical simulation, nuclear physics, or neutronics.

Site

Saclay

Job location

Location

Gif-sur-Yvette

Prepared diploma

Bac+8 - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Requester

01/01/2026

General information

Organization

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development, and innovation in four main areas: defense and security, nuclear energy (fission and fusion), technological research for industry, and fundamental research in physical and life sciences. With over 16,000 staff, CEA collaborates with numerous academic and industrial partners and operates across ten centers in France.

Reference

2025-36666

SERMA: The Reactor physics and Applied Mathematics division of CEA develops simulation codes and provides expertise in nuclear energy, including reactor physics, criticality safety, and radiation shielding. SERMA designs deterministic and Monte Carlo simulation tools to characterize coupled transport of neutrons, photons, and charged particles.