Research Assistant/Technician 3
About The Position
This position is part of a sub-group within the Berlinguette Group that studies nuclear fusion (the Thunderbird team). The Thunderbird team built the Thunderbird Reactor: a bench-top apparatus that generates deuterium–deuterium (D–D) fusion within a palladium metal target. The reactor loads deuterium fuel into one side of the target using plasma-immersion ion implantation (PIII) to enable fusion, and can increase reaction rates by 15% when using an electrochemical cell to load the other side of the target with more fuel. The Thunderbird Reactor is not an energy-generating device, but rather it serves as a platform for investigating different approaches to enhancing nuclear fusion reaction rates.
Requirements
- Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with nuclear fusion reactor designs and understanding of the broader fusion landscape
- Experience in designing and building nuclear fusion reactors
- Proficiency in modeling physical processes using COMSOL
- Strong foundation in plasma physics
- Knowledge of nuclear fusion diagnostic methods
- Experience with mechanical design using CAD
- Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and power tools
Responsibilities
- Support the construction of reactor upgrades and expansions
- Collaborate on modeling reactor parameters and performing theoretical calculations toward energy gain
- Develop and run physics simulations for thermal processes
- Build and assemble mechanical and vacuum components of the reactor
- Contribute to reactor commissioning planning and CNSC licensing activities
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date reactor design documentation
- Participate in reactor operation and experimental campaigns
- Assist in experimental design and execution
- Conduct experiments and support reactor testing activities
- Analyze experimental data and contribute to reactor efficiency improvement
- Maintain detailed documentation of experimental campaigns and results
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices
- Work with team members to understand design requirements and develop solutions
- Coordinate with external stakeholders (e.g., building operations, radiation safety office) to support project needs
- Assist in preparing presentations and technical materials outlining designs, methods, and results
- Perform other related duties as required within the scope of the role
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
