Post-doctoral Position : Measurement of beta decay properties of nuclei of interest for nuclear structure and astrophysics, antineutrino spectra and reactor physics

Team: Nuclear Structure and Energy, SUBATECH laboratory, Nantes, France.
Number of months: 24
Type of contract: CNRS

Detailed Description:
The Nuclear Structure and Energy group of the SUBATECH laboratory has experimental activities devoted to the study of beta decay properties of nuclei of interest nuclear structure and astrophysics, antineutrino spectra and reactor physics, in close collaboration with the team of IFIC Valencia in Spain and the University of Surrey. These measurements are performed using 2 experimental techniques: the TAGS (Total Absorption Gamma-ray Spectroscopy) technique, based on the detection of the gamma rays de-exciting the daughter nucleus with a calorimeter and the direct measurement of the shape of the electron energy spectrum (E-Shape experiment). The TAGS technique gives access to the beta strength distribution, directly comparable to theoretical microscopic models. It allows in addition to avoid the Pandemonium effect. The direct measurement of the electron spectrum shape is dedicated to the study of forbidden beta transitions. It allows in addition to avoid the Pandemonium effect.
The main tasks of the postdoctoral researcher will be related to the analysis of one of the two experiments described below and the R&D of a new Total Absorption Spectrometer (called (NA)²STARS) with LaBr₃ modules. A TAGS experiment proposed by the SUBATECH team in collaboration with the team from IFIC of Valencia has been performed in Sept. 2022 at the facility of the University of Jyväskylä (Finland). The main objective is to study neutron-rich nuclei of interest for reactor decay heat, reactor antineutrino spectra and nuclear structure and astrophysics. Moreover some of the proposed nuclei are beta-delayed neutron emitters and are of importance for the r-process. Another experiment, proposed by SUBATECH, IFIC and Surrey, has also been performed at the Jyväskylä facility in Jan. 2022 aiming at measuring beta energy spectra from first forbidden decays of fission products which are important contributors to the reactor antineutrino spectrum. These measurements are also of interest for the rprocess.
The postdoctoral researcher will have to participate to the analysis of the above-mentioned experiments depending on the group priorities. The work will be complemented with instrumental developments in the frame of the (NA)²STARS project. Applicants should have their PhD (in nuclear physics) at the time of the starting date. A good experience in experimental nuclear structure and in C++ programming, in particular with ROOT and GEANT4, would be an advantage. The candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a research environment, prepare research results for publication and for presentation at scientific meetings. The review of applications is starting now and will continue until the position is filled. The job can start at the earliest convenience. Applicants should send (by email) their curriculum vitae, a list of publications indicating their personal contributions, a description of their previous activities and a short statement of research interests, all in pdf format, to:
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Applicants need also to arrange for two letters of reference to be sent directly to the same email address.