Consultant – Applications of Neutron Generators

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes.

The Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences is responsible for assisting and advising Member States in research and development for the nuclear sciences, especially the physical and chemical sciences. Specifically, the Division provides support to Member States in the following fields\: production of radioisotopes and radiolabelled products for applications in health care and industry; radiation source applications; research reactor utilization; applications of accelerators and nuclear instrumentation; nuclear and atomic data for applications; controlled nuclear fusion and isotope hydrology and geochemistry.

Additionally, the nuclear science activities carried out by the Nuclear Data Section and Physics Section in the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications fall under Major Programme 1.

The Physics Section is responsible for planning and implementing activities in the areas of (i) effective utilization of research reactors and and accelerator-based neutron sources, (ii) fostering relevant research and development and applications using particle accelerators and related instrumentation, and (iii) nuclear fusion science and plasma physics, in order to enable Member States to avail themselves of the benefits of nuclear sciences and technologies. It operates the Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, located at the Agency's Laboratories in Seibersdorf, which assists laboratories in Member States to improve the effective utilization of nuclear spectrometry and related instrumentation by providing technical advice, training, calibration services, assistance with the modification and development of nuclear instruments and with new applications of nuclear spectrometry techniques in various fields, including energy related applications, environmental monitoring, industry, and the study of cultural heritage objects.

Main Purpose

The IAEA Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory (NSIL), located at the Agency's Laboratories in Seibersdorf, assists Member States to improve the effective utilization of nuclear spectrometry and related instrumentation by providing technical advice, training, calibration services, assistance with the modification and development of nuclear instruments and with new applications of nuclear spectrometry techniques in various fields, including energy related applications, environmental monitoring, industry, and the study of cultural heritage objects. 

Since 2022, NSIL operates two neutron generators, namely DD (Deuterium-Deuterium) and DT (Deuterium-Tritium), providing access both to fission-like and fusion-like neutrons. The consultant will provide technical expertise and input in the implementation of activities under the sub-program 1.4.3 Nuclear Instrumentation with emphasis on operation and utilization of the IAEA Neutron Science Facility (NSF).

Functions / Key Results Expected

The consultant will\:

Identify and implement novel/existing techniques for the utilization of neutron sources, in particular DD and DT generators and accelerator-based neutrons sources of moderate intensities. 

Contribute to the development of educational material and exercises aiming to demonstrate the various aspects of the associated instrumentation used in research with neutrons. 

Perform Monte Carlo simulations of various instrumentation and shielding configurations. 

Provide technical input to the daily operations and trainings at the NSF. 

Draft and consolidate technical reports and documents as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Nuclear Physics

• Nuclear Instrumentation

• Simulation and Modelling

• Neutron Physics

• Analytical and Instrumental Techniques

• Computer Programming an asset

• Data Analysis an asset

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree (masters) in Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineering or related fields. PhD in these areas would be an asset. 

• Minimum four years of relevant experience in nuclear physics utilizing various neutron sources and associated instrumentation. 

• Experience with nuclear instrumentation, such as radiation detectors, analogue and digital data acquisition systems, data analysis and Monte Carlo simulations (e.g. MCNP, PHITS, Geant4) with relevance to neutron science and applications. 

• Experience with neutron spectrometry techniques is an asset.

• Knowledge of Python and/or ROOT is an asset.

• Experience in education and training of researchers and technologists is an asset.

• Experience in an international working environment is an asset. 

• Good knowledge of oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 200, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.