Assistant Researcher: Nuclear Imaging & Instrumentation

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California‑Berkeley invites applications for an Assistant Researcher in the Applied Nuclear Science Group within the Department of Nuclear Engineering. The role leads a multi‑party project on next‑generation nuclear imaging instrumentation for subsurface environments, interfacing with university, national labs, industry, and government partners.

The position emphasizes design, testing, and coordinate activities, with opportunities to publish, present, and pursue PI/Co‑PI roles

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent international degree required at time of application.
• Strong independent research capability in nuclear instrumentation.
• Experience with logging-tool design or subsurface measurement tech.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and machine learning for detector design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, integration, and testing of a compact nuclear imaging logging-tool prototype.
• Coordinate R&D activities across university, laboratory, industry, and government partners.
• Design and execute experiments involving alpha-particle detection for imaging using D‑T generators.
• Operate, support, and coordinate experiments involving D‑D and D‑T neutron generators.
• Develop Monte Carlo simulations and ML methods to optimize design and predict performance.
• Lead and supervise the final experimental campaign assessing the prototype.
• Prepare quarterly technical reports and deliverables for sponsor reviews.
• Present progress at project meetings and technical conferences.
• Publish findings and draft invention disclosures/IP documentation.
• Contribute to proposals and potentially serve as PI/Co-PI on related projects.
• Guide undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc researchers on the project.
• Support safe laboratory operations involving radiation sources and detectors.

Skills

Nuclear instrumentation

Neutron detection

Monte Carlo simulations

Machine learning

Experimental design

Project leadership

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering

PhD equivalent international degree

Tools

MCNP

Geant4

FLUKA

Neutron generators

Job description

University of California‑Berkeley invites applications for an Assistant Researcher in the Applied Nuclear Science Group within the Department of Nuclear Engineering. The role leads a multi‑party project on next‑generation nuclear imaging instrumentation for subsurface environments, interfacing with university, national labs, industry, and government partners.

The position emphasizes design, testing, and coordinate activities, with opportunities to publish, present, and pursue PI/Co‑PI roles