Researcher in nuclear safeguards
Do you want to work with applied nuclear physics, supported by competent and pleasant colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, beneficial working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a researcher at Uppsala universitet.
At the Department of Applied Nuclear Physics, research is conducted in technical nuclear safeguards, focusing on the development of technical means to ensure that sensitive materials are not used in unauthorized ways. At the department, research is carried out on, for example, the improvement and development of instrumentation, measurement techniques, and analytical techniques for the verification of spent nuclear fuel, but also to strengthen nuclear safeguards for future nuclear power systems. The research is motivated both by needs and requests from national and international regulatory bodies and national and international collaborations.
The research work will be carried out within a research group that drives several different projects related to nuclear energy systems. In all of them, the monitoring and verification of nuclear material for nuclear safeguards needs is the focus. Part of the activities is linked to the verification of spent nuclear fuel from today's nuclear power, and here we primarily see that the verification of non-regular fuels will be the focus in the coming years. Additionally, we see connections to the 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 with the aim of achieving a future sustainable energy supply using small modular reactors. Another part of the activities involves interdisciplinary research where nuclear safeguards and nuclear security around transportable nuclear power systems at sea are at the center. There are plans to expand that activity, especially within the framework of selected Generation IV systems such as molten salt reactors, and in such a constellation, the researcher will have a given place. Research regarding land-based such systems will also be included in the position. It is desirable that the researcher has their own ideas and sees opportunities for developing the activities in a complementary way.
Tasks
The tasks aim to develop and strengthen methods for monitoring and verification of nuclear matter in both land-based and maritime systems. The tasks include modeling of source terms, radiation transport and detection; fuel characterization and fuel analysis; as well as analysis of proliferation risks and verification of nuclear material in existing and future nuclear technology energy systems. Analysis of gamma and neutron radiation from nuclear fuel will be included, as well as modeling of radiation detection. It is also included in the tasks to apply for funds personally, and contribute to the group's other applications for funds, to conduct research in the field. Practical work in the form of measurements and analysis of measurement data may also be included.
The teaching tasks include teaching at different levels (undergraduate, advanced level, and professional education). Course responsibility may be included, as well as supervision of both undergraduate students and doctoral students.
The department-wide duties may, depending on interest, include, for example, responsibility for local infrastructure such as computing clusters, educational issues, the third mission, etc.
Qualification requirements
Requirements for employment are:
A PhD in physics, with a specialization in nuclear physics or nuclear engineering Excellent ability to communicate research results both orally and in writing in English Excellent ability to cooperate in and contribute to both small and large groups
Desirable/merit-based otherwise
Desirable qualities are:
Documented good knowledge and experience within the research area 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 in modeling and simulation of nuclear material, such as irradiated nuclear fuel, for example using Serpent and MCNP Experience of data analysis, preferably with Python[WW3][SG4] Experience of working with equipment and detectors for measurement and quantification of ionizing radiation Experience of programming with Python, Matlab, C/C++ and SCALE Experience of national and international collaborations
About the employment
The employment is time-limited, 12 months. The scope is full-time/100 %. Commencement 1 January 2027 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala
Information about the employment is provided by: Sophie Grape, sophie.grape@physics.uu.se
In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.
Welcome with your application no later than 30 September 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2641.
Uppsala universitet is a broad research university with a strong international position. 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 engagement make Uppsala universitet one of the country's most exciting workplaces.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work within Uppsala universitet
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/
The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.
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