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Neutron Detection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

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The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neutron and gamma detection, data analysis, and radiation test environments. Experience working in a combined neutron and gamma radiation ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lansing, MI · On-site

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... neutron) and ability to detect, identify, and quantify radioactive materials * Embraces and models the Niowave Core Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal * Develops and maintains ...

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Neutron Detection information

What is neutron detection?

Neutron detection is the process of identifying and measuring neutrons, which are subatomic particles with no electric charge. This process is essential in various fields such as nuclear power, medical imaging, radiation safety, and scientific research. Specialized detectors are used because neutrons are difficult to detect directly, often relying on materials that interact with neutrons to produce detectable signals. Accurate neutron detection is crucial for monitoring nuclear reactors, preventing illicit trafficking of radioactive materials, and conducting experiments in physics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a neutron detection specialist role, and why are they important?

To thrive as a neutron detection specialist, you need a solid background in physics, radiation detection principles, and usually a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with neutron detectors (such as He-3 tubes and scintillation counters), data acquisition systems, and safety certifications is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help professionals excel in interpreting data and troubleshooting instrumentation. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate measurements, maintaining safety standards, and supporting research or security operations involving neutron sources.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in neutron detection roles?

Professionals in neutron detection often encounter challenges related to maintaining the accuracy and sensitivity of detection equipment, as neutron sources can be weak and easily influenced by background radiation. Troubleshooting hardware or software malfunctions and ensuring proper calibration are routine tasks. Additionally, adhering to strict safety protocols when handling radioactive materials and working in multidisciplinary teams with physicists, engineers, and safety officers are key aspects of the role. Staying current with advancements in detector technology and analysis methods is also important for continued success in the field.

What is the difference between Neutron Detection vs Radiation Technician?

AspectNeutron DetectionRadiation Technician
Required CredentialsCertification in radiation safety, physics backgroundRadiation safety certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, nuclear facilities, research sitesHospitals, industrial sites, nuclear plants
Industry UsageNuclear physics, research, securityMedical, industrial, nuclear power

Neutron Detection specialists focus on identifying and measuring neutron radiation, often requiring physics knowledge and specialized equipment. Radiation Technicians handle various radiation types, including neutrons, in medical or industrial settings, with broader technical training. While both roles involve radiation safety, Neutron Detection is more research and physics-oriented, whereas Radiation Technicians work directly with patients or industrial processes.

Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements

Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Radiation Detection and Experimental Measurements
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name ISR-8/Space Nuclear Sensing
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Space Nuclear Sensing Group (ISR-8) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to national security programs involving radiation detection and nuclear sensing.
ISR-8 develops radiation sensing technologies, instrumentation, and physics-based interpretation for x-ray, gamma-ray, and neutron detection in support of national security and space science missions.
The group performs detector development, radiation transport modeling, and end-to-end mission analysis in close collaboration with engineering partners.
The successful candidate will conduct experimental research in radiation detection with emphasis on detector characterization, experimental measurements, and data analysis. Responsibilities include designing and performing radiation measurements, operating and testing detector systems, and analyzing experimental data to evaluate detector performance.
Candidates with experience in radiation detector systems, experimental measurements, or radiation data analysis are especially encouraged to apply.
Research areas may include:
  • Experimental characterization of radiation detectors for x-ray, gamma-ray, and neutron sensing Design and execution of laboratory and field measurement campaigns
  • Operation, calibration, and testing of radiation detection systems
  • Analysis and interpretation of radiation measurement data, including statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification
  • Comparison of experimental results with simulations to evaluate detector performance

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and engineers across ISR and other LANL divisions and will contribute to the development and evaluation of radiation sensing systems for national security and space applications. The position may include opportunities to support the development, integration, and testing of radiation detection payloads for spaceflight missions, including flight-ready instrumentation.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated experience in experimental radiation detection or detector characterization
  • Experience designing and conducting laboratory or field experiments
  • Experience analyzing experimental data, including statistical methods
  • Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar scientific computing languages
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally
  • Strong technical documentation and record-keeping practices

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with x-ray, gamma-ray, or neutron detection systems
  • Experience with detector electronics, data acquisition systems, or instrumentation
  • Familiarity with the space radiation environment or space-based sensing

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
Contact Details
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