Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics (Positron Imaging)

Essential

• A strong first degree in physics or engineering
• PhD in a relevant area of physics or engineering
• Strong experimental skills
• Substantial programming experience and aptitude (Fortran, C++ or similar)
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and in writing
• Willing to work with radioactive sources

Desirable

• Experience of nuclear data acquisition highly desirable
• Experience of using Monte-Carlo simulation software
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team desirable

Job Description

In Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) a radioactively-labelled tracer particle is tracked at high speed by detecting the emitted pairs of back-to-back photons.The technique has been developed at Birmingham over many years.As part of the EPSRC Programme Grant ‘Probing Multiscale Complex Multiphase Flows with Positrons for Engineering and Biomedical Applications’ (a collaboration with groups at King’s College London and the University of Edinburgh) the Positron Imaging Centre will assemble two new PEPT instruments (using existing components from redundant PET scanners) and will also develop new software for multi-particle tracking.Working with Prof. DavidParker, the new PDRA will be responsible for implementing these developments:

• Design new PEPT instruments, based on existing components, taking into account the requirements of potential users
• Assemble, test and validate these new PEPT instruments
• Develop new software for multi-particle tracking, drawing on experience from medical imaging and other fields.

In collaboration with Prof. Paul Marsden at King’s College, the Research Fellow will also be responsible for optimising PEPT for pre-clinical medical applications.