Research Associate (fixed-term)

About the role

We are looking for an adventurous and talented researcher to fill a postdoctoral position as part of the £7.3M EPSRC Programme Grant, MaThRad (Mathematical Theory of Radiation Transport). 

This five-year interdisciplinary programme of research will use modern mathematical methods from probability theory, advanced Monte Carlo methods and inverse problems to develop novel approaches to the theory and application of radiation transport. 

The programme grant is held jointly between the University of Warwick, University of Bath, University of Cambridge, University College Hospital, and the National Physical Laboratory. This position will be based at the University of Bath.

Nuclear technology is based around the principle of how radiation particles interact with materials. 

Whilst the microscopic behaviour of such systems is well understood, the degree of inhomogeneity involved means that the ability to predict the flux of particles through complex physical environments on the macroscopic (human) scale is a significant challenge. 

This lies at the heart of how we design, regulate and operate some of the most important technologies for the twenty-first century. These include:

• building new reactors (fission and fusion) and de-commissioning old ones,
• medical radiation therapy
• establishing novel space technologies through e.g. the development of space-bound mini-reactors for off-world bases and protection for high-tech equipment exposed to high-energy radiation such as satellites and spacesuits.
• accurate prediction of how radiation interacts with surrounding matter is based on modelling through the Boltzmann transport equation.

MaThRad is pursuing an interactive exploration of foundational, translational and application-driven research; developing predictive mathematical models with quantifiable accuracy and software prototypes, ready for real-world implementation in the energy, health care and space exploration nuclear industries.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

About you

The successful candidate will work with Professor Alexander Cox to improve our theoretical understanding of current Monte Carlo algorithms used in a range of applications relating to Radiation Transport, and to develop novel methods which can improve the methods used by our academic and industrial partners. 

Experience of conducting high quality research on interacting particle systems or rare event simulation will be highly desirable. 

Willingness to explore the interaction with ad-hoc and interdisciplinary approaches is highly desirable.

No prior knowledge of the application area is expected, however a willingness to engage with applications is essential, as well as to collaborate with scientists who are not mathematicians.

• You will conduct individual and collaborative research of high quality in an appropriate area of mathematics and/or statistics and its applications in Monte Carlo methods for radiation transport modelling. 
• You will continually update your knowledge & understanding in the wider area of the project to inform research activity.
• You will publish in high quality peer reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline.
• You will disseminate the research at national & international conferences, e.g. by presentations.
• You will be involved in regular contact with industrial partners in the energy, space, & healthcare sectors.
• You will assist the Principal Investigator & Co-Investigators with project management: e.g. organising meetings and corresponding/discussing with partners.
• You will identify sources of funding and contribute to securing funds for project related research.
• You will develop research objectives & proposals that support the MaThRad agenda for your own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.

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