Researcher in nuclear safeguards with a focus on monitoring and verification of nuclear material Full-time

Researcher in Nuclear Safeguards

Uppsala University, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Are you interested in working with applied nuclear physics, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a researcher position at Uppsala University.

At the Division of Applied Nuclear Physics, research is conducted in the field of nuclear safeguards, with a focus on developing technical means to ensure that nuclear materials are not used in unauthorized ways. The division carries out research, for example, on the improvement and development of instrumentation, measurement techniques, and analytical methods for the verification of spent nuclear fuel, as well as on strengthening safeguards for future nuclear power systems. The research is motivated both by needs and requests from national and international regulatory bodies, and by national and international collaborations.

The research work will be carried out within a research group that runs several projects related to nuclear energy systems. In all of them, monitoring and verification of nuclear material for safeguards purposes are central. Part of the activities is linked to the verification of spent nuclear fuel from today's nuclear power plants, where we anticipate that the verification of non-regular fuels will be a key focus in the coming years. In addition, we see connections to the verification of fuel from light-water-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs) within the framework of the nuclear competence center ANItA, an academic–industrial nuclear initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable future energy supply using small modular reactors.

Another part of the activities involves interdisciplinary research where nuclear safeguards and nuclear security related to maritime nuclear power systems are central. There are plans to expand this area, particularly within selected Generation IV systems such as molten salt reactors, and in such a context the researcher will have a natural role. Research on land-based systems of this type will also be included in the position. It is desirable that the researcher has their own ideas and identifies opportunities to develop the activities in a complementary way.

Duties: The duties aim to develop and strengthen methods for monitoring and verification of nuclear material in both land-based and maritime nuclear energy systems.

The work includes modelling of source terms, radiation transport and detection; fuel characterization and fuel analysis; and analysis of proliferation risks and verification of nuclear material in existing and future nuclear energy systems. Analysis of gamma and neutron radiation from nuclear fuel will be included, as well as modelling of radiation detection. The duties also include applying for research funding independently and contributing to the group's other funding applications in order to conduct research in the field. Practical work in the form of measurements and analysis of measurement data may also be included.

Teaching duties include instruction at various levels (undergraduate, advanced/master's level, and commissioned education). Course coordination may be included, as well as supervision of both undergraduate students and doctoral students.

Department-wide responsibilities may, depending on interest, include, for example, responsibility for local infrastructure such as computing clusters, educational matters, third-stream activities (public outreach and collaboration), etc.

Requirements for the position are:

• A PhD in Physics, with a specialization in Nuclear Physics or Nuclear Engineering
• Excellent ability to communicate research results both orally and in writing in English
• Excellent ability to collaborate in and contribute to both small and large groups

Additional qualifications desirable include:

• Documented strong knowledge and experience within the research field of nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation for both existing and future nuclear power systems at land and sea (light water reactor systems, SMRs, Generation IV systems etc)
• Solid experience in modeling and simulation of nuclear materials, such as irradiated nuclear fuel, for example using Serpent and MCNP
• Experience in data analysis, preferably using Python
• Experience working with equipment and detectors for the measurement and quantification of ionizing radiation
• Experience in programming with Python, Matlab, C/C++, and SCALE
• Experience with national and international collaborations

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position, 12 months. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date January 2027 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Sophie Grape, sophie.grape@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 30 September 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2641.