M/F PhD Measurement of the radioactive properties of isotopes of interest in medical physics, and instrumental developments for the new (NA)2STARS spectrometer

Job Description

Thesis Subject

As part of this research training (Master internship or Ph.D.), you will study beta decay of neutron deficit isotopes using the technique of Total Absorption Gamma Spectroscopy (TAGS). The project will involve the study of nuclei relevant to nuclear medical applications. It will be carried out within the Nuclear Structure and Energy (SEN) group at SUBATECH using the newly developed, hybrid Total Absorption Spectrometer (TAS) called STARS.
TAGS is the preferred measurements technique for these studies as it enables efficient detection of high-energy gamma transitions following beta decay to highly excited states in the daughter nucleus. This capability allows to minimize the “Pandemonium effect”, which otherwise biases the beta decay strength distribution affecting both fundamental studies and applications.

Your Work Environment

The doctoral student will work on beta decay of radioisotopes of interest for Positron Emission Tomography (PET), where accurate decay data are essential for reliable dose calculations in diagnostic medical applications.
Since 2009, the SEN team has been carrying out TAGS measurements in collaboration with research groups in Spain, the United Kingdom, Finland, Turkey, Hungary and other international collaborators to study beta decay of nuclei critical for reactor physics, nuclear structure, and astrophysics. The collaboration has conducted several measurements at international accelerator facilities such as JYFL in Finland, and RIKEN in Japan, using segmented total absorption spectrometers called DTAS (cluster of 18 NaI(Tl) detectors) and Rocinante (made of 12 BaF2 detectors).
The new STARS setup combines these high performance TAS detectors with an additional ring of fast LaBr3:Ce detectors, providing enhanced timing and spectroscopic capabilities. STARS will be commissioned at GANIL, the French national accelerator facility, during its first measurement campaign in July 2026. The nuclei studied in this project will be measured at this campaign.
In addition to data analysis, your PhD will include instrumentation developments around the new STAR spectrometer. The new STAR spectrometer will allow measuring new data in various fields of physics, including medical applications, Beyond Standard Model physics as well as nuclear energy applications.

The candidate must:
- hold a master's degree or equivalent in the field of XXXXXX
The candidate must:
- demonstrate strong motivation, curiosity, and the ability to work independently.
- Fluency in English is required
- Be able to write scientific reports and present results orally
- Be able to work both independently and collaboratively in an international team environment.

Constraints and risks

The doctoral student will participate in GEANT4-based Monte-Carlo simulations to optimize the detector geometry, as well as in its testing and commissioning. It will include as well the preparation of forthcoming experiments at the DESIR facility in GANIL and at the facility of the University of Jyväskylä.
To summarize, The doctoral student will receive training in beta and gamma decay spectroscopy, advanced data analysis techniques, nuclear instrumentation, and Monte-Carlo simulations. The doctoral student will obtain analysis results on isotopes of interest for medical applications. The doctoral student will also have the opportunity to present your work at national and international conferences. This training will provide transferable skills relevant both to academic research and industrial sector or technological careers.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions