Doctoral student in Physics, Applied Nuclear Physics, within the research area of internal dosimetry and risk assessment - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Nuclear Physics announces a doctoral student position within the research area of internal dose monitoring and risk assessment of workers and members of the public following an accidental release of radionuclides from the European Spallation Source (ESS). The ESS is a neutron-based research facility under construction in the outskirts of Lund in southern Sweden. Consequence assessments of an accidental release from the ESS show that workers present on-site and subjects in the vicinity of the ESS facility may be affected by internal contamination of especially alpha emitting 148Gd and gamma emitters such as 187W, 172Hf, 182Ta, also including radioiodine such as 125I. The objective of the PhD project is to investigate which radiometric measurements need to be conducted to predict, monitor and follow-up the internal doses from accidentally released target particles from ESS to workers and to members of the public. The PhD research programme is financed by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and will be supervised jointly by researchers at the Division of Nuclear Physics (located in Lund) and Medical Radiation Physics (located in Malmö). The holder of the position will spend time at both divisions.

Work duties

The successful candidate will:

• Characterize the source term from the ESS in terms of particle size distribution and radionuclide composition. Goal: To investigate the impact of variance and uncertainty in the particle size distribution and radionuclide composition on inhalation dose assessment to workers and members of the public. Identification of critical parameters that have the highest influence on the uncertainty in the predicted internal dose estimates.
• Investigate the feasibility of whole-body counting for dose assessment of gamma emitters released from the ESS target. Goal: Theoretical optimization of time windows for detectability of mentioned radionuclides by means of direct and indirect whole-body counting using high-resolution gamma spectrometry. Age and sex specific quantification will be considered as well.
• Investigate the feasibility of internal dose assays of alpha, beta and gamma emitters using excretion samples. Goal: Establish theoretical time window of quantitative assessment of internal dose from alpha and gamma emitters from the ESS target by means of urinary or fecal bioassay, using newly developed biokinetic models from ICRP.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• passed an independent project (e.g.degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Knowledge in fundamental nuclear physics gained during first- or second-cycle courses.

Other assessment criteria

Knowledge in internal dosimetry.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications may be written in English or Swedish and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.