Post-doctoral researcher

McGill University • Montreal, QC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The successful candidate will be responsible for extracting and identifying the double-beta-decay daughter Ba-136 from a gas of the mother isotope, Xe-136, using a radiofrequency funnel and a series of ion traps. This role involves commissioning the ion transport beamline, characterizing in-extraction efficiency, and optimizing a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer for routine operation. The researcher will also advance spatially resolved laser ablation ion sources for mass calibration and spectroscopic applications, and lead the Canadian Ba-tagging efforts. The appointment is initially for two years with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, and is funded in part by the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute.

Requirements

• Background in experimental nuclear or particle physics or in the field of ion manipulation and spectroscopy.
• Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to adapt to an evolving work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tools and applications quickly and independently.
• Time management skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Organizational, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Authorized to work in Canada.
• Willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
• English communication both verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. candidates should indicate when they are expecting to fulfill their Ph.D. requirements.
• Preferred background in experimental nuclear or particle physics or with expertise in ion manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Extract and identify the double-beta-decay daughter Ba-136 from a gas of the mother isotope, Xe-136, using a radiofrequency funnel and a series of ion traps.
• Commission the ion transport beamline starting with the differential pumping device via a linear Paul trap to a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
• Characterize the in-extraction efficiency from argon and xenon gas at various operating conditions.
• Optimize the MRTOF mass spectrometer for routine operation.
• Advance spatially resolved laser ablation ion sources for mass calibration and spectroscopic applications.
• Lead the Canadian Ba-tagging efforts that are being developed at McGill and TRIUMF.
• Supervise one graduate and 1-2 summer students.

Benefits

• Possibility of renewal for up to 3 years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree