POSTDOC (M/F) – Measurement of beta decay properties of nuclei relevant to nuclear structure and astrophysics, antineutrino spectra, and reactor physics

Role: POSTDOC (M/F) – Measurement of beta decay properties of nuclei relevant to nuclear structure and astrophysics, antineutrino spectra, and reactor physics
Organization: CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research
Department: Laboratoire de physique subatomique et des technologies associées (SUBATECH)
Location: Nantes, France
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time (35 hours/week)
Start Date: 1 Sep 2026
Application Deadline: 27 Jun 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)

Job Overview:
The Nuclear Structure and Energy group at the SUBATECH laboratory conducts experimental research focused on studying the beta decay properties of nuclei relevant to nuclear structure and astrophysics, antineutrino spectra, and reactor physics. This work is conducted in close collaboration with the IFIC team in Valencia and the University of Surrey. Measurements are performed using two experimental techniques: the TAGS (Total Absorption Gamma-ray Spectroscopy) technique, based on the detection of gamma rays de-exciting the daughter nucleus using a calorimeter, and the direct measurement of the shape of the electron energy spectrum (E-Shape experiment). The TAGS technique provides access to the beta-force distribution, which is directly comparable to theoretical microscopic models, and helps avoid the Pandemonium effect. The direct measurement of the electron spectrum shape is dedicated to the study of forbidden beta transitions and also helps avoid the Pandemonium effect.

Responsibilities:
- Analyze data from one of the two experiments described (TAGS or E-Shape).
- Conduct R&D on a new total absorption spectrometer called (NA)2STARS using LaBr3 modules.
- Characterize the detector for the study of neutron-rich nuclei of interest for reactor decay heat, reactor antineutrino spectra, nuclear structure, and astrophysics.
- Study the detection capabilities of LaBr3 for delayed neutrons by time-of-flight technique, as some proposed nuclei are delayed neutron emitters important for the r-process.
- Participate in upcoming R&D works regarding (NA)2STARS and e-Shape devices.
- Participate in the preparation and execution of the team's upcoming experiments, notably the commissioning of the STARS detector at GANIL and the upcoming experiment at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland in 2027.
- Contribute to the development of new experiment proposals.
- Travel to experimental sites in Jyväskylä, ISOLDE, and GANIL as required.

Requirements and Qualifications:
- Education: PhD or equivalent in nuclear physics.
- Experience: 1-4 years of research experience. Significant experience with experimental nuclear structure is required.
- Technical Skills: Experience with C++ programming, particularly with ROOT and GEANT4, is an asset.
- Language: Fluent in spoken and written English. Basic French is listed in the job information, but fluency in English is explicitly required in the eligibility criteria.
- Soft Skills: Ability to work in a research environment, be a team player, and prepare research results for publication and presentation at scientific conferences.

What They Offer:
- A position within the Nuclear Structure and Energy group at SUBATECH laboratory.
- Opportunity to collaborate with international teams (IFIC in Valencia, Madrid, Warsaw, University of Surrey, University of Jyväskylä, CERN).
- Involvement in cutting-edge experimental nuclear physics research relevant to astrophysics and reactor physics.
- Potential for career development through participation in R&D and new experiment proposals.