In the framework of a project entitled

LaBr3:Ce3+ scintillators for the BepiColombo space mission

funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), the section Radiation Detection & Matter has a vacancy for a

Postdoc

Scintillators are crystalline materials that convert the energy of a gamma-ray into a flash of light which allows for a very the fast detection of gamma-particles with accurate determination of its energy. In 2001 the new scintillator material LaBr3:Ce3+ was discovered in our section Radiation Detection & Matter. This material is now commercially available and the European Space Agency (ESA) together with Delft University of Technology explores the feasibility to use this scintillator in a gamma ray detector on board of a satellite in orbit around the planet Mercury. During the BepiColombo space mission that will start in 2012 the scintillator will be exposed to a harsh radiation environment and receive a high radiation dose from cosmic radiation and energetic protons in solar flares. In the project, with duration of one year, the postdoctoral candidate will study the effects of a high dose of radiation on the scintillation properties of LaBr3:Ce3+. Crystals will be exposed to gamma-rays and energetic protons. After exposure the materials need to be characterized by optical absorption and thermo-luminescence techniques in order to assess the radiation damage. Depending on these assessments, damage recovery studies and recovery treatments need to be researched and developed.

Doctorate
In the framework of a project entitled

LaBr3:Ce3+ scintillators for the BepiColombo space mission

funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), the section Radiation Detection & Matter has a vacancy for a

Postdoc
Scintillators are crystalline materials that convert the energy of a gamma-ray into a flash of light which allows for a very the fast detection of gamma-particles with accurate determination of its energy. In 2001 the new scintillator material LaBr3:Ce3+ was discovered in our section Radiation Detection & Matter. This material is now commercially available and the European Space Agency (ESA) together with Delft University of Technology explores the feasibility to use this scintillator in a gamma ray detector on board of a satellite in orbit around the planet Mercury. During the BepiColombo space mission that will start in 2012 the scintillator will be exposed to a harsh radiation environment and receive a high radiation dose from cosmic radiation and energetic protons in solar flares. In the project, with duration of one year, the postdoctoral candidate will study the effects of a high dose of radiation on the scintillation properties of LaBr3:Ce3+. Crystals will be exposed to gamma-rays and energetic protons. After exposure the materials need to be characterized by optical absorption and thermo-luminescence techniques in order to assess the radiation damage. Depending on these assessments, damage recovery studies and recovery treatments need to be researched and developed.

- Teaching & Research

Additional information about the job:
The section Radiation Detection & Matter is part of the Faculty of Applied Science of the Delft University of Technology. In the section new materials are developed for various applications in luminescence devices. Particularly new scintillation crystals are developed that are used in ionizing radiation detection instruments for medical diagnostics, industry, and fundamental research.

Delft University of Technology

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 3000 - 3500
Salaryscale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 3472
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 1 year
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:
The candidate will receive a one year contract with the TU Delft. A new proposal for an additional two years research project has been submitted to the European Space Agency. In this project new scintillators are to be developed for use in future detectors for interplanetary space missions. When approved and when the candidate has demonstrated his/her suitability a two years follow up contract can be offered.

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

You can apply for this job before 15-02-2006 by sending your application to:

For information contact dr. P. Dorenbos (phone: +31-15-2781336, fax: +31-15-2786422, email: p.dorenbos@ tudelft.nl) or dr. A.J.J. Bos (phone: +31-15-2784705, fax: +31-15-2786422, email: ).

For general information contact Personnel Department, Mrs. M.C.M. van den Bergh (phone: +31-15-2788448, email:

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber ATTNWRRR06-002.