ERC NSHAPE: Muonic x-ray spectroscopy of radioactive isotopes (ref. BAP-2023-542)

The KU Leuven Institute for Nuclear and Radiation Physics (IKS) specializes in the production and use of radioactive ion beams for the study of nuclear structure and nuclear reactions, as well as the use of radioisotopes and radiation as probes for the study of fundamental symmetries at the low-energy particle level. The Interdisciplinary Research Group of Prof Thomas Cocolios is expanding this research into new domains, including the production of novel medical radioisotopes with the isotope separation online (ISOL) technique. Research is performed at the CERN ISOLDE and MEDICIS facilities, as well as at the Belgian Nuclear Research Center SCK CEN located in Mol. The research outputs are part of larger collaborations including radiochemistry, radiopharmacy, and research hospital partners locally (UZ Leuven, UZ Brussel, UZ Ghent) and at the European and international levels (PRISMAP, LISA ITN). The Interdisciplinary Research Group also features a fundamental research programme into the shape of radioisotopes by means of resonance ionization spectroscopy in the ion-source (PI-LIST) and in collinear geometry (CRIS), as well as with muonic x-ray spectroscopy at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Villigen, CH). The group is also involved in decay spectroscopy studies as input for nuclear data for medical applications, as identification and counting for laser spectroscopy, or in the search of exotic decay modes like beta-delayed fission.

https://fys.kuleuven.be/iks/in...

Responsibilities

Within the IKS Interdisciplinary Research Group, you will carry out research in muonic x-ray spectroscopy of radiolanthanides. You will contribute to the ERC NSHAPE project to investigate the shape of proton-emitting nuclei by determining the absolute size of stable and long-lived lanthanides, with which laser spectroscopy data at radioactive ion beam facilities can be benchmarked. You will develop a programme for the production and purification of the enriched samples, lead and defend a scientific programme in muonic x-ray spectroscopy at the Paul Scherrer Institute, and contribute to the analysis and dissemination of the data.
You will be part of the dynamic international collaborations involved at PSI, but also get involved with the rest of the team performing experiments at CERN ISOLDE and GANIL S3. As part of the ERC NSHAPE project, you will also have the opportunity to supervise PhD and Master students involved in the research, to report on your own findings internally and to the scientific community. You will also have the opportunity to further your professional growth in a dynamic team.

Profile

You are interested in joining an international team of researchers at the cutting edge of science and technology? You have a critical mind and you hold a PhD degree in atomic, nuclear, particle physics or equivalent? Then join us: We are looking for a self-motivated post-doc researcher with a background in x- or gamma-ray spectroscopy, or equivalent, and with a keen interest in nuclear structure.

• Experience with high-energy photon detection is necessary;
• Specific experience with high-purity germanium detectors is a bonus;
• Experience with muons or radioactive ion beams is interesting but not required.

Offer

We offer a 12-month post-doc position (renewable up to 3 years/6th anniversary since PhD) to be carried out Leuven. You will be given the opportunity to carry out your research independently but with the support of a large team, have coordination responsibilities within a large international network, and disseminate your research through participation in international events and scientific publications.The position will remain open until filled or until the deadline.