Nucleaire jobs in United States

Instrumentation, metrology and control

Postdoc

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

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.

PhD in numerical simulation, nuclear physics, or neutronics.

Saclay

Gif-sur-Yvette

Bac+8 - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

01/01/2026

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.

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.