We are looking for an adventurous and talented researcher to fill a postdoctoral position as part of the £7.3M EPSRC Programme Grant, MaThRad (Mathematical Theory of Radiation Transport).
MaThRad is pursuing an interactive exploration of foundational, translational and application-driven research; developing predictive mathematical models with quantifiable accuracy and software prototypes, ready for real-world implementation in the energy, health care and space exploration nuclear industries.
This five-year interdisciplinary programme of research will use modern mathematical methods from probability theory, advanced Monte Carlo methods and inverse problems to develop novel approaches to the theory and application of radiation transport.
The programme grant is held jointly between the University of Warwick, University of Bath, University of Cambridge, University College Hospital, and the National Physical Laboratory.
This position will be based at the University of Warwick.
Nuclear technology is based around the principle of how radiation particles interact with materials. Whilst the microscopic behaviour of such systems is well understood, the degree of inhomogeneity involved means that the ability to predict the flux of particles through complex physical environments on the macroscopic (human) scale is a significant challenge. Unlike other types of transport theories, radiation transport theory is typically non-diffusive and requires a myriad of methodologies centred around the Boltzmann Transport Equation.
This lies at the heart of how we design, regulate and operate some of the most important technologies for the twenty-first century. These include:
Building new reactors (fission and fusion) and de-commissioning old ones,
medical radiation therapy
establishing novel space technologies through e.g. the development of space-bound mini-reactors for off-world bases and protection for high-tech equipment exposed to high-energy radiation such as satellites and spacesuits,
accurate prediction of how radiation interacts with surrounding matter is based on modelling through the Boltzmann transport equation.
You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature commensurate with the grade of appointment as reasonably required by your line manager.