Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, and on to fundamental studies of materials.
The neutronics group is responsible for the nuclear analysis used to support the design and optimization of upgrades to the target, reflector and moderator assemblies as well as new neutron instrument beamlines. The main focus of the team is large scale simulation of the facility, but we also have an increasing experimental program to gather data to support future facility designs.
Radiation transport simulations are key to designing safe and efficient neutron instruments at spallation sources such as ISIS. The radiation transport codes are being developed continually to utilise modern, high performance computing facilities to enable us to tackle larger problems within a reasonable timeframe. The two main methods for radiation transport are Monte Carlo methods and deterministic methods. Deterministic methods discretise space, energy and angle to solve the transport equations usually on a regular structured grid, which can scale well on 100-100,000 computer processors.
This project will investigate a new deterministic transport code currently under development at Imperial College to enable it to simulate neutron instrument shielding. The code aims to use an unstructured mesh to define the geometry and achieve similar levels of scaling on high performance computers. The project will strive t extend and improve the code so it can be applied to a relevant facility problem. This will involve writing computer code to specify the output, integrating it with the main program, developing tests using UK leading computing and analysing the data.
The successful student will learn about:
Radiation transport codes Contribution to leading research Nuclear data CAD and meshing High performance computing Data analysis and computer programming
This 9 - 12 week placement will be based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire with the potential option of hybrid working patterns.
In order to apply for this placement, you need to meet the following criteria:
Essential:
Are in full time education at university and returning to university/studies following the placement The right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement Studying physics or computing on track for 2:1 or better Experience of computer programming such as Python, C or Fortran Competent and confident using mathematics to solve problems Good oral and written communication skills Willingness to learn Enthusiasm
Desirable:
STFC/ISIS Nuclear physics Radiation and radiation safety High performance computing
You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake ground-breaking projects in an outstanding diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving progressive advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.