Researcher in Nuclear Safeguards

Uppsala Universitet · plný úvazek

Box 256, Uppsala, Švédsko

Would you like to work with applied nuclear physics, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Would you like an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a researcher at Uppsala University. At the Department of Applied Nuclear Physics, research is conducted in technical nuclear safeguards, with a focus on developing technical means to ensure that sensitive materials are not used in unauthorized ways. The department conducts research on, for example, improvement and development of instrumentation, measurement techniques and analysis techniques for verification of spent nuclear fuel, but also to strengthen nuclear safeguards for future nuclear power systems. The research is motivated by both needs and requests from national and international regulatory authorities and national and international collaborations. The research work will be carried out within a research group that conducts several different projects related to nuclear energy systems. In all of them, monitoring and verification of nuclear material for safeguards purposes is in focus. Part of the activities is linked to verification of spent nuclear fuel from today's nuclear power, and we especially see that verification of non-regular fuels will be in focus in the coming years. Furthermore, we see connections to verification of fuel from light water cooled small modular reactors (SMRs) within the framework of the nuclear competence center ANItA, an academic-industrial nuclear technology initiative aimed at achieving future sustainable energy supply with the help of small modular reactors. Another part of the activities includes interdisciplinary research where nuclear safeguards and nuclear security around transportable nuclear power systems at sea are in focus. Plans exist to expand this activity, especially within selected Generation IV systems such as molten salt reactors, and in such a constellation the researcher will have a given place. Research on land-based such systems will also be included in the position. It is desirable that the researcher has own ideas and sees opportunities to develop the activities in a complementary manner. Duties The duties aim to develop and strengthen methods for monitoring and verification of nuclear material in both land-based and maritime systems. The duties include modeling of source terms, radiation transport and detection; fuel characterization and fuel analysis; and analysis of proliferation risks and verification of nuclear material in existing and future nuclear energy systems. Analysis of gamma and neutron radiation from nuclear fuel will be included, as well as modeling of radiation detection. It is also part of the duties to apply for funds, and contribute to the group's other applications for funding, to conduct research in the field. Practical work in the form of measurements and analysis of measurement data may also be included. The teaching duties include teaching at various levels (undergraduate, advanced level and commissioned education). Course responsibility may be included, as well as supervision of both undergraduate students and doctoral students. The department-wide tasks may, depending on interest, include responsibility for local infrastructure such as computing clusters, educational matters, third mission activities, etc. Qualification Requirements Requirements for employment are: Doctoral degree in physics, with a focus on nuclear physics or nuclear technology Excellent ability to communicate research results both orally and in writing in English Excellent ability to collaborate in and contribute to both small and large groups Desirable/Merits Desirable qualities are: Documented good knowledge and experience in the research field of nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation for both existing and future nuclear power systems on land and at sea (light water reactor systems, SMRs, Generation IV systems, etc.) Good experience with modeling and simulation of nuclear material, such as irradiated nuclear fuel, for example using Serpent and MCNP Experience with data analysis, preferably with Python Experience working with equipment and detectors for measurement and quantification of ionizing radiation Experience with programming in Python, Matlab, C/C++ and SCALE Experience with national and international collaborations About the Position The employment is fixed-term, 12 months. The position is full-time/100%. Start date January 1, 2027 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala Information about the position is provided by: Sophie Grape, [email protected] In this recruitment, we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process. Welcome to submit your application no later than September 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2641. Uppsala University is a broad research university with strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The employment may be subject to security clearance. In security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system. Trade union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]