Job description

A position as a PhD Research Fellow in Experimental Nuclear Physics is available at the Department of Physics. The position is funded by the Norwegian Research Council project “Nuclear shapes and resonances”.

The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

Starting date as soon as possible, but no later than 01.10.2022.

More about the position

The research of the Nuclear Physics group is focused on the study of atomic nuclei under extreme conditions, e.g. nuclei at high excitation energy at the transition from quantum order to chaos, exotic nuclei with an unusual ratio of protons and neutrons, and nuclear reactions in astrophysical environments. To obtain experimental information under such conditions is crucial in order to constrain and improve theoretical nuclear structure models, and to understand how elements heavier than iron are formed in explosive stellar environments.

The present PhD project aims at studying nuclear shapes and shape coexistence in exotic nuclei by measuring electromagnetic transition probabilities using gamma-ray spectroscopy in combination with lifetime measurements. Detailed transition probabilities, obtained over a wide range of nuclides under the same experimental conditions, allow systematic comparisons with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations. The rapid change of nuclear deformation with proton and neutron number, the occurrence of shape coexistence, and the importance of the triaxial degree of freedom make nuclei around proton and neutron numbers and very sensitive benchmarks for theoretical models.

The project aims at performing lifetime measurements for neutron-rich fission fragments in this mass region using the recoil-distance Doppler shift (RDDS) and fast timing techniques following fusion-fission reactions. The successful applicant will analyze data obtained with the gamma-ray tracking detector AGATA and the fast-timing array FATIMA coupled to the magnetic spectrometer VAMOS. The candidate is expected to contribute to the further development of relevant data analysis techniques and software frameworks. The data analysis furthermore requires Monte Carlo simulations of the detector responses within the GEANT4 framework. The experimental results will be compared to theoretical calculations, which will be partly performed by the candidate and partly in collaboration with international partners. It is foreseen to complement the study of nuclear shapes with additional lifetime measurements and Coulomb excitation experiments with radioactive ion beams, to which the candidate is expected to contribute.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in physics or equivalent, with specialization in experimental nuclear physics. Foreign completed degrees (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
• A scientific profile relevant for the nuclear structure research program as outlined above
• A solid background in scientific computing, including proficiency in Python programming

Candidates without a Master’s degree must complete the final exam before the application deadline.

Desired qualifications:

Several qualifications are considered strongly desirable and will be used in the ranking of the candidates. In the order of importance, these are:

• Experience with gamma-ray spectroscopy
• Experience with data analysis techniques relevant for lifetime measurements
• Knowledge of nuclear structure models from Master-level courses
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations and familiarity with the GEANT4 simulation framework
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as ROOT and Radware

Grade and language requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

Personal skills:

• Good communication skills
• Ability to work in an international research environment
• Ability to work independently

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see this and this.

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 1-2 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Interviews will be used as part of the hiring process.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Andreas Görgen, e-mail: andreas.gorgen@fys.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no.

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