Development of Neutron Generator-Based Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis Instrument

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg (MD); Hybride; USD 90 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites qualified researchers to advance neutron generator-based PGAA instrumentation. The associate researcher will design moderators, assemble detector systems, perform measurements, and analyze spectra, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at conferences.

This 1-year term position in the Chemistry/Materials, Measurement Laboratory emphasizes collaboration with NIST researchers and the broader research

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in nuclear engineering, physics, or related field.
• Hands-on ability in design and assembly of neutron moderators for optimal thermal output.
• Understanding of principles of neutron and gamma ray interaction with materials.
• Expertise in nuclear digital and analog electronics.
• Expertise in simulation tools for radiation transport.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Design neutron moderator for a DD generator to optimize thermal neutron irradiation.
• Set up gamma ray detector and electronics for PGAA measurements and perform spectral analysis.

Connaissances

Neutron moderator design

Gamma-ray electronics

Nuclear electronics

Radiation transport simulation

Verbal and written communication

Formation

Ph.D. or equivalent in nuclear engineering/physics

Outils

Radiation transport simulation tools

Description du poste

Development of Neutron Generator-Based Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis Instrument

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to join an effort in extending the current reactor-dependent prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) to one based on laboratory neutron sources. PGAA is a nondestructive nuclear analytical technique based on thermal neutron capture. NIST is a world leader in employing reactor-based neutron beam PGAA for the certification of standard reference materials (SRMs) and in material characterization in support of academic and industrial research and development. This project partially leverages the reactor-based expertise for the development of their neutron generator-based counterparts. The main challenge is to overcome the lower neutron intensity by careful design of the neutron moderator and optimization of the detector shielding and geometry, and by exploiting the pulse nature of the generator for coincidence detection to achieve background reduction. The candidate will be expected to publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at relevant meetings and conferences.

Duties

• Design neutron moderator for a DD generator to optimize thermal neutron irradiation
• Set up gamma ray detector and electronics for PGAA measurements and perform spectral analysis

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in nuclear engineering, physics, or related field
• Hands-on ability in design and assembly of neutron moderators for optimal thermal output
• Understanding of principles of neutron and gamma ray interaction with materials
• Expertise in nuclear digital and analog electronics
• Expertise in simulation tools for radiation transport
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Other Desirable Qualifications

• Skills in Python or other programming language for custom development of analysis software
• Desire to employ machine learning and artificial intelligence for data processing
• Ability to initiate new technical approaches and research opportunities in measurement science

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Chemical Sciences Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.