INTRO

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization. CNL has been a world leader in developing peaceful and innovative applications from nuclear technology through its expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology and engineering. CNL’s 3500 highly skilled employees deliver a range of nuclear services – from research and development, design and engineering to specialized technology, waste management and decommissioning.

The Applied Physics (AP) branch under safety and security directorate at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in physics. The position is intended for 2 years with a possibility of a 1-year extension. CNL's AP branch explores and investigates the development and applications of radiation based systems and detectors, including performing experiments, developing physics models and simulations, and building, testing, and evaluating prototypes or third-party devices. One of the projects that we support encompasses the development of detection technologies for nuclear safeguards, verification and security. This position offers several exciting opportunities for a young scientist to gain substantial experience and develop essential skills in a supportive environment.

The position holder will perform R&D to (1) develop prompt neutrons and gamma rays detection techniques, (2) develop and apply algorithms for neutron/gamma background suppression, and (3) advance fast neutrons imaging techniques. Active neutron interrogation techniques target detection of nuclear materials, drugs, and explosives.

The incumbent will be expected to function efficiently and cooperatively with a small team of scientists.

DUTIES

The successful candidate will carry out multi-disciplinary research to advance technology readiness level (TRL) of active neutron interrogation techniques for detection and identification of nuclear and non-nuclear materials. Duties include:

• Conduct extensive literature reviews on coded-aperture and compressive-sensing relevant to active neutron interrogation.
• Preparation of technical reports and scientific proposals.
• Develop algorithms, and procedures to support experimental work.
• Support researchers in designing and conducting experiments.
• Analyze simulations and experimental results.
• Working with a team of scientists, engineers and technologists.
• Report regular progress on projects.
• Present material at national/international conferences/workshops, and publish material in external journals.
• Interface with internal and external partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

The candidate must:

• Be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Have completed their Ph.D. in physics, medical physics, theoretical physics, or relevant field (e.g., mathematician in graph/information field) from a university of recognized standing, defended and have their thesis approved.
• Have completed their Ph.D. within 24 months of their appointment to CNL as a PDF, or
• Is in a program that will lead to the acquisition of their Ph.D. within six (6) months of applying to the Program.
• Have at least two (2) publications representative of their research.
• Have two (2) work-pertinent references.

The following will be considered as valuable assets:

• Knowledge of nuclear/particle physics
• Strong computing background with a working knowledge of at least one of C, C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Familiarity with imaging processing techniques.
• Affinity to solve advanced mathematical problems.
• Familiar with compressive sensing and graphs theory.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of research practices and principles.
• Experience with proposal writing, data analysis and technical report writing.

NOTE: It is preferred, but not necessary that the candidate’s Ph.D. was obtained from a Canadian university.

CNL has an Employment Equity Program and encourages applications from women, Aboriginal Peoples, visible minorities and persons with disabilities