Postdoc Positions at ANU, Nuclear Physics Dept.

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow
Nuclear Physics Department
Research School of Physics and Engineering
ANU College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Canberra/ACT
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to conduct two research projects within the Department of Nuclear Physics, The Australian National University. The successful candidate(s) may work on either or both projects. The positions are available for up to 2 years; however a period of up to 3 years can be negotiated with an outstanding applicant working on both research projects. These are full-time on research intensive positions that will include a role in the supervision of postgraduate students. A small time commitment may be made to other graduate and undergraduate teaching. The two projects are funded by the Australian Research Council, and the outlines of the projects are as below:
(Project 1) Precision pair spectroscopy of the Hoyle state: Our recently developed superconducting pair spectrometer observes electron-positron pairs from the decay of excited states populated in nuclear reactions. The main aim is to observe the pair decays of the Hoyle state in 12C and thus determine its radiative width with high precision. The successful candidate will work in a team to develop detection and analysis techniques, perform experiments, interpret results and prepare publications. A sound knowledge of nuclear structure measurement methods, radiation detection, and numerical simulation by Monte-Carlo techniques will be an advantage.
(Project 2) Auger-electron yields of medical radioisotopes: We are developing a new “ab initio” model, based on improved descriptions of the relevant nuclear and atomic physics processes, to evaluate the Auger-electron spectrum that accompanies nuclear decays, particularly in medical radioisotopes. We are also developing experiments to test these calculations. The successful candidate will work at the interface of nuclear and atomic physics to develop Auger-electron yield models, carry out detailed calculations for selected radioisotopes, compare results with available experimental data, and/or contribute to obtaining new experimental data. The candidate will prepare manuscripts based on the obtained results. The experiments to benchmark the calculations are planned in collaboration with the Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratory of the ANU. Experience with FORTRAN 90 will be an advantage.
To find more about the projects and the position(s), please contact Ms Petra Rickman, Phone: +61 2 6125 2083, Email: np.rspe@anu.edu.au
The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au ANU values diversity and inclusion and believes employment opportunities must not be limited by socio-economic background, race, religion or gender. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit http://hr.anu.edu.au/staff-equity
Reference number:
A128-14MY
Closing Date:
5 May 2014

The Department of Nuclear Physics at the Australian National University has obtained
funding from the Australian Research Council to investigate the pair conversion decay of
the Hoyle state (DP140102986). The project has major scientific significance for nuclear
astrophysics.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITY AREAS:
Position Dimension & Relationships:
The position is located within the Department of Nuclear Physics, part of the Research School
of Physics and Engineering in the College of Science at the ANU. The Postdoctoral Fellow will
work full-time on research, under the direction of Professor A.E. Stuchbery and Dr. T. Kibédi.
The work will be directed towards the research project for which funding was received from
the Australian Research Council.
Role Statement:
In collaboration with the research teams associated with the project, the Postdoctoral
Fellow/Research Fellow will:
1. Develop and/or participate in the setup of the magnetic pair spectrometer.
2. Participate in all group experiments, learning to operate the accelerator.
3. Perform data analysis using local software, initially with supervision.
4. Interpret experimental results in terms of theoretical predictions, with supervision.
5. Write papers for publication, with supervision.
6. Advise and help supervise the group`s students, and contribute to undergraduate project
supervision.
7. Comply with all ANU policies and procedures and in particular those relating to work
health and safety and equal opportunity.
8. Carry out other duties consistent with the classification of the position.

Skill Base
Level A
A Level A research academic will typically conduct research/scholarly activities under limited
supervision either independently or as a member of a team and will normally hold a relevant
higher degree.
A Level A research academic will normally work under the supervision of academic staff at
Level B or above, with an increasing degree of autonomy as the research academic gains
skills and experience. A Level A research academic may undertake limited teaching, may
supervise at undergraduate levels and may publish the results of the research conducted as
sole author or in collaboration. He or she will undertake administration primarily relating to
his or her activities at the institution.

Level B
A Level B research academic will normally have experience in research or scholarly activities, which have resulted in publications in refereed journals or other demonstrated scholarly activities.
A Level B research academic will carry out independent and/or team research. A Level B research academic may supervise postgraduate research students or projects and be involved in research training.

Selection Criteria:

SELECTION CRITERIA: Postdoctoral Fellow, Academic Level A
1. PhD (or PhD expected to be awarded in 2014) in Physics relevant to the proposed area of research.
2. An ability to carry out internationally significant independent research in the area of experimental nuclear physics as evidenced by published works in refereed journals and/or conference proceedings.
3. Demonstrated research experience, preferably in one or more of the following:
a. time-correlated gamma-ray and/or electron spectroscopy
b. detector development
c. instrument design and development
4. Willingness to act in student advisory/supervisory roles, and to contribute to undergraduate teaching activities.
5. Demonstrated high level of motivation, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently, with excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
6. A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Research Fellow, Academic Level B
1. A PhD Physics relevant to the proposed area of research.
2. Proven ability to carry out internationally significant independent research in the area of experimental nuclear physics as evidenced by published works in refereed journals and/or conference proceedings.
3. Demonstrated research experience, preferably in one or more of the following:
a. time-correlated gamma-ray and/or electron spectroscopy
b. detector development
c. instrument design and develop
4. Experience in student advisory/supervisory roles, and/or contributions to undergraduate teaching activities.
5. Demonstrated high level of motivation, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently, with excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
6. A demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity principles and policies and a commitment to their application in a university context.

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