Energy Dependent Neutron Imaging and Elemental Analysis Industrial Placement

The Crystallography and Engineering Groups are responsible for the operation of several neutron diffraction and imaging instruments at the ISIS Facility, which is located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. They typically support around 200 experiments per year, across a diverse range of academic and industrial disciplines.

Research studies include the stress distributions within engineering components, the provenance of historical artefacts, the behaviour of technologically important materials for energy production/storage, phase transitions within complex magnetic systems, and the chemical bonding within samples of relevance to earth/planetary science and pharmaceuticals.

There is an extensive programme of development projects, many supported by collaborations with UK and international partners. These include new software for analysis of neutron diffraction/imaging data, novel sample environment devices that mimic conditions found in technological applications, upgrades to existing instruments and the construction of new instruments.

Among others, Neutron Resonance Absorption Spectroscopy techniques have recently gained more interest for isotopically selective elemental analysis and imaging in several domains like nuclear waste, fertilisers, cultural heritage etc.., and ISIS, because of its short pulse, represents one of the few places in the world where this technique is available.

The role of the student is the development of data analysis methods in order to offer a quantitative elemental analysis tools for ISIS instrument scientist and users. The student will interact with instrument scientists, users, and members of the computing department to develop the data analysis method.

Brief overview of the scheme

STFC’s incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

• During this project, the student will learn the basic ideas behind the application of neutron induced nuclear reactions in order to characterise materials in terms of their elemental composition
• The student will become familiar with the use of tools (e.g. nuclear physics databases) to extract the information essential to the neutron resonance-based techniques
• The student will continue to work on a code based on python that at present provide a database for neutron absorption reactions cross sections, to import experimental data obtained using NRTI or NRCA technique, and perform operation on them like background subtraction, peak detection and integration, in order to obtain quantitative information about sample composition
• At the end of the project, the code will be validated using experimental data, new and already available, on reference and real samples as case study, both in terms of quantitative samples composition and 2D element and isotope distribution
• Experimental data to use as benchmark for the code are already available, but the student will be involved in experimental measurements using the INES instrument at ISIS, to gain a better understanding of the techniques
  

To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S)
• Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
• Able to commence employment in summer 2025 (S)
• Ability to program using Python (S&I)
• Background in Physics or Chemistry (S&I)

Desirable:

• Advanced programming using python (S&I)

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.