TUCAN Source Student Research Assistant (On-site, 8+ month)

TRIUMF • Vancouver, BC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre, and one of the world's leading laboratories for particle and nuclear physics and accelerator-based science. TRIUMF's diverse community of nearly 600 multidisciplinary researchers, engineers, technicians, tradespeople, staff, and students create a unique incubator for Canadian excellence, as well as a portal to premier global collaborations. Fueling innovation and improving lives, we are committed to accelerating discovery and shaping a better world. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve. TRIUMF’s student program typically hires ~40 students each term from across all disciplines who hang together socially and professionally during the term, and beyond. Our program offers young minds a chance to gather, learn, make new friends, and have fun doing so during their time at TRIUMF. We hold weekly ProD sessions for students which include different activities such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and active listening. Additionally, we hold weekly seminars about the different experiments at TRIUMF, and these talks specifically cater to students. Located on the UBC campus makes it easier for students to make friends, create memories, and explore Vancouver all while working at TRIUMF. TRIUMF’s student program is more than just a place to work, its learning, memories, friendships, exploration, and development all clubbed into one. Come join us to see how we are working to unlock the mysteries of the universe and shape the future. Apply now and be part of our extraordinary journey. Learn more about the amazing research and work we do at TRIUMF. https://www.discoverourlab.triumf.ca http://www.rarestdrug.com This is an 8+ month position. Knowledge of fundamental properties of the neutron helps to understand many aspects of the universe. It all starts right after the Big Bang: matter wins over antimatter in the universe, making our existence possible. One essential ingredient for this matter-antimatter asymmetry is violation of a more fundamental symmetry, called CP violation. This, in turn might show up in a non-zero electric dipole moment (EDM) of the neutron, making EDM measurements the flagship of fundamental neutron physics. About 100 s after the Big Bang, the relevance of the neutron properties continues: neutron beta-decay lifetime plays an important role in primordial nucleosynthesis, influencing, e.g., the helium abundance in the Universe significantly. If neutron lifetime results are combined with experiments determining other decay parameters of the neutron, important coupling constants of the weak interaction of fundamental particles can be determined. These are important for our understanding of solar models and tests of the Standard Model of particle physics. Owing to its neutrality and long lifetime of around 15 min, one can also look very carefully at the gravitational interaction of neutrons, thus probing the quantum mechanical features of the gravity potential; in turn, this puts constraints on non-Newtonian gravity models. All the experiments above have in common the need for very slow neutrons, called ultra-cold neutrons (UCN). We are presently building a new UCN source driving TRIUMF's new UCN facility. The source produced its first ultracold neutrons (UCNs) in 2025. However, further testing is required to fully understand its performance, as well as additional equipment to deliver polarized neutrons to the neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) experiment.

Requirements

• >2nd year of physics or engineering physics.
• 8-month or more availability preferred.
• The incumbent will be required to successfully complete the TRIUMF in-house radiation safety training course and be designated as a TRIUMF Nuclear Energy Worker.
• Data Analysis
• Research Data Collection

Responsibilities

• Installation and test of a cryogenic temperature‑measurement device to characterize the temperature profile of the isotopically pure helium‑4, maintained at temperatures below 1 K.
• Installation and test of a superleak system, in which helium‑3 and helium‑4 are separated, allowing only superfluid helium‑4 to be supplied to the source.
• Installation and test of a superconducting magnet–based neutron polarizer.
• Development and testing of the nEDM measurement neutron cell, including high voltage test and development of a laser window for magnetometry.
• Design and implement slow control systems, install hardware and test the gradient measurement device, super leak, polarizer and UCN cell.
• Perform data collection and conduct basic analyses to verify system performance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits that promote the well-being and security of our staff
• Excellent opportunity to grow your career in a high-profile national research facility
• Help with travel costs for students outside the Vancouver and surrounding area

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed