Senior Research Associate in Nuclear Physics

The Opportunity

The School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications has an opportunity for a Senior Research Associate. In this role you will be working predominantly on an industry-linked research project entitled

“Towards non-thermal hydrogen-boron fusion” supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC). Your research will focus on validating and developing new approaches to optimize intense laser interaction with matter, in order to reach the conditions for effective non-thermal fusion burn of boron fuels exposed to laser-accelerated intense proton beams. Primarily, the tasks are to be done by means of analytical calculations and high-performance computing simulations with a tight link with the industrial partner (HB11 Energy Pty Ltd) and existing experimental and theoretical research collaboration.

This position will give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and output through your contribution to the writing of scientific papers and reports for international journals, participating in conferences and workshops and actively engaging with industry partners.

This role reports to Prof. Francois Ladouceur and has no direct reports.

• Salary, Level B - $119,440 to $140,802 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time (35 hours a week)
• Fixed-term contract – 3 years
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The UNSW School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications is one of the largest and most prestigious schools of its kind in Australia. In the last 70 years, our school has grown out of a purely teaching institution to one which has made important contributions to the development of electrical engineering in Australia and globally. For more information on our school go to the following link - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/electrical-engineering-telecommunications

Skills & Experience

• A PhD in Nuclear Physics and relevant work experience.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• A track record of significant involvement with the profession and/or industry.
• High level communication skills and ability to network effectively and interact with a diverse range of students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Mastery of numerical calculus, and experience in consideration of charged-particle energy-loss and radiative processes in dense plasmas.
• Research background in the fields of Inertial Confinement Fusion and Magnetized Target Fusion, dense plasma hydrodynamics, and kinetic plasma simulations.
• Proven expertise in the theoretical aspects of Nuclear Physics, particularly in the dynamics of ignition and burn propagation.
• Work experience in the field of inertial confinement fusion theory and simulation i.e. laser-plasma interaction, thermal and non-thermal fusion, radiative processes.
• Hands-on experiment on aspects of plasma devices.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description.

To Apply: Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Merita O’Connell – Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: [email protected]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on 29^th May 2024

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.