Accelerator Physicist at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
iThemba LABS seeks to appoint an Accelerator Physicist to coordinate activities and resources for the operation, maintenance and development of the accelerators, beam lines and ancillary installations at iThemba LABS which provide charged particle beams and engineering support for nuclear physics research, and for the production of radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine, industry and research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Calculation of electromagnetic fields and trajectory tracing for the design and analysis of charged particle accelerators, beam transport systems and experimental equipment
• Performing measurements and numerical analysis of electromagnetic fields to evaluate the efficiency of existing and new apparatus
• Maintenance of computer codes in use and the development of new computer codes, to assist with numerical field analysis
• Optimisation of beam transport and injection systems of a cyclotron
• Developing and enhancing isotope production facilities
• Preparation of budget forecasts
• Planning of lectures and lecturing at universities
• Supervision and training of junior physicists
• Project management of accelerator related improvement projects
• Partaking in local and international collaborations

Minimum Qualification:

• Doctoral Degree / NQF 10

Minimum Experience:

• 5-5 years

• PhD in Physics

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' post qualification experience, preferably on cyclotron accelerators, beam transport systems and beam diagnostics
• 3 years' practical experience in programming and working with computers and the applicable software
• Familiarity with performing computer simulations to calculate beam optics and applying this to a variety of equipment and situations

Knowledge:

• Experience in the field of electromagnet design
• Thorough knowledge of accelerated charge particle physics and beam development principles

Additional Notes:
Technical report writing, problem solving and good communication [URL Removed] and able to work with minimum [URL Removed] ability and able to work under [URL Removed] organizational skills; willingness to learn; computer literate with programming [URL Removed] management [URL Removed] NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. iThemba LABS is Africa·s leading research facility for accelerator-based science that is committed to advance knowledge, transforming lives and, inspiring the nation through probing fundamental structure and the origins of matter; advancing the understanding of condensed matter; impacting the societal need through provision for the health and environmental sector.