Vacant job

Uppsala University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for our research group in applied nuclear physics. The position is linked to the MÅSTE research program (Multidisciplinary Commitments for Sweden's Gen IV Technology and Expertise), which addresses key scientific and technical challenges for future Gen IV reactor systems. More information about the program can be found at https://www.maste.nu/ (https://www.maste.nu/).

The postdoctoral project will focus on the quantification of uncertainties in nuclear data for Gen IV reactor systems, with particular emphasis on neutron noise-based core monitoring and source terms for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and fuel fabrication.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in nuclear engineering, reactor physics, nuclear physics, computational physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field. Experience in uncertainty quantification, reactor physics calculations, neutron noise, nuclear data, machine learning, or surrogate modeling is particularly relevant.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced methods for uncertainty propagation in future reactor systems, with applications ranging from reactor monitoring to the safe handling and processing of spent nuclear fuel.

Job Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to the development and application of methods for quantifying uncertainties in nuclear data for Gen IV reactor systems. The work involves propagating uncertainties from nuclear data to reactor physics observables, with a specific focus on neutron noise-based core monitoring and source terms for spent nuclear fuel.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research on uncertainty quantification of nuclear data for Gen IV reactor applications.
• Generating and using nuclear data files based on nuclear data uncertainties from evaluated nuclear data libraries.
• Processing nuclear data into formats suitable for reactor physics calculations and neutron noise calculations.
• Developing and applying uncertainty propagation methods to neutron noise-based core monitoring techniques.
• Developing, training, and validating surrogate models for neutron noise calculation codes using machine learning.
• Quantifying uncertainties in source terms for spent nuclear fuel, including decay heat and inventories of selected nuclides relevant to reactivity, safeguards, safety analysis, spent fuel reprocessing, and fuel fabrication.
• Leading and contributing to scientific publications, conference presentations, and dissemination of research results.
• Collaborating with national and international partners within the research program.

Qualifications

A PhD in nuclear engineering, reactor physics, nuclear physics, computational physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field, or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD in one of these areas. The degree must be awarded no later than the time of the employment decision.

For postdoctoral positions, the primary target group consists of individuals who have obtained their PhD degree no more than three years before the application deadline. The starting point for the three-year period is the last day of application. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been awarded earlier. The three-year period may be extended in cases of sick leave, parental leave, union duties, or similar circumstances.

For this position, the applicant must also:

• Have good knowledge of at least one programming language.
• Have documented experience relevant to reactor physics calculations, nuclear data, uncertainty quantification, or machine learning.
• Have good communication skills in both oral and written English.

Desirable and Meritorious Qualifications

Additional qualifications aim to describe relevant experience and expertise and are considered meritorious. We encourage applications even if the applicant does not meet all listed merits.

• Documented expertise in uncertainty quantification, statistics, applied mathematics, machine learning, or surrogate modeling.
• Experience with reactor physics calculations, nuclear data processing, and nuclear data libraries.
• Experience with neutron noise, time-dependent reactor physics, perturbation methods, or core monitoring methods.
• Experience with spent nuclear fuel calculations, burnup calculations, decay heat, nuclide inventories, or source term analysis.
• Experience with fast reactor systems, Gen IV reactor concepts, or modeling of advanced reactors.
• Strong analytical skills and good problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Significant research experience in a relevant field.

Application Process

The application, written in Swedish or English, should include:

• A cover letter.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A copy of the PhD diploma and transcripts from previous studies.
• A link to, or a copy of, the doctoral thesis.
• Two references, at least one from academia, along with a recommendation letter.
• A publication list.
• Any other documentation you wish us to consider.

Employment Details

The employment is fixed-term for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The position is full-time. Start date: November 2026 or as agreed.

Location: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Henrik Sjöstrand, [email protected]

Please submit your application by August 14, 2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/1887

Applications are received via Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To view the full advertisement, please click "Apply here" or visit Uppsala University's website for job postings.