Post-doctoral fellow in Neutron Imaging Quantification

Subject description

Lund University is seeking qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellow position in a joint project with the European Spallation Source (ESS). The successful candidate will contribute to predicting and analysing neutron transmission-based data. A particular focus will be on quantification using the NCrystal software package for analysing time-of-flight neutron imaging experiments.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The selected candidate will work closely in collaboration with the neutron imaging team at the European Spallation Source (ESS) and the VR-funded project consortium Re-Heart, consisting of an interdisciplinary team from ESS, LU, and KTH. The Re-Heart project focuses on the use of neutron imaging to reveal and quantify hydrogen within metallic materials in the context of hydrogen embrittlement, one of the most serious materials science and engineering challenges. The consortium has already performed several neutron experiments that require detailed and advanced data analysis, coupled with modelling.

The position will be hosted at Lund University’s Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research, and the workplace will be in Lund, Sweden. The candidate is expected to spend most of the time at ESS, with frequent visits to engage in collaboration with the ESS Data Management and Software Center (DMSC) in Copenhagen. The DMSC develops data reduction and analysis software for neutron imaging, which is highly relevant for the First Science program of the ODIN neutron imaging beamline at ESS. This project will play a crucial role in developing suitable analysis tools to enable successful experiments and subsequent analysis at ESS.

Expected Work Duties Include:

• Develop neutron transmission models for different materials.
• Apply neutron transmission models in the analysis of time-of-flight neutron imaging data.
• Expand the capabilities of the transmission analysis to textured polycrystalline materials.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including industry.
• Identify specific requirements using data from relevant experiments and feed these into the workflow developed by DMSC.
• Develop independent research encompassing neutron scattering/imaging techniques in collaboration with researchers at LU, ESS, and KTH.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision[RW1] . Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The candidate should have at least three years of experience in neutron-based research, as well as a keen interest in the development of novel experiments and analysis tools.
• Ability to work independently in projects with other researchers and research groups.
• Experience in programming (Python, C++, or similar).
• Experience in Monte Carlo ray-tracing and/or particle simulations.

 Additional desirable skills:

• Experience with the software package NCrystal.
• Experience in the treatment of neutron (time-of-flight) transmission data.
• Knowledge of crystallography.

 We will place great emphasis on personal suitability for the position and work environment. The evaluation will take into account, among other things, problem-solving and analytical skills, collaboration skills, and initiative. A proactive approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are important.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.

Additional assessment criteria:

Skills and experience in neutron methods, neutron instrumentation and data analysis.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered