In too many cases, the accuracy of measurements for nuclear forensics, nuclear medicine, high-energy physics, reactor engineering, and environmental monitoring is limited by the scant or poor state-of-knowledge surrounding nuclear input data. Large uncertainties on half-lives limit the precision of geological and astrophysical clocks. Imprecise or inaccurate beta spectrum shapefactors impede accurate radioactivity measurements and introduce bias to the models underlying (anti)neutrino spectroscopy experiments. The International Committee for Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM), as well as groups in other applied disciplines have recognized imprecise and inaccurate nuclear data as a serious problem and have called on the community of radionuclide metrologists to address it.

The NIST Radioactivity Group has a rich history of contributions in the realm of precise nuclear structure and radioactive decay data. An Associate is sought to take advantage of our unique facilities to perform experimental measurements in support of nuclear decay data projects. The Associate will gain experience with digital coincidence techniques and x-ray and beta particle spectroscopy. In addition, the Associate will have opportunities for participation in instrument/technique development projects.

 

key words

Radionuclide metrology; Digital data acquisition; Si(Li) detector; HPGe detector; Coincidence counting; Spectroscopy; Nuclear decay data; Nuclear physics;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants