The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in nuclear engineering at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to investigate the many unanswered questions about the impacts of ionizing radiations on aircrew as well as the related fundamental physics. This research includes investigating the ionizing radiation dose that aircrew are exposed to, including terrestrial gamma flashes (TGF), solar particle events, and galactic cosmic radiation.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in a variety of related research activities, including:

• Analyze data and develop analysis tools relating to TGF detection, dosimetry, and other related radiation detection projects
• Perform simulations of radiation detector scenarios and radiation transport problems
• Assemble, characterize, and troubleshoot radiation detector systems
• Provide guidance to graduate students and student interns through experimental and theoretical challenges
• Present findings to scientific community through peer-reviewed journal articles and conference talks/posters
• Spend at least 25% of the appointment time on-site at Wright-Patterson AFB
• Collaborate with external stakeholders (through in-person and virtual means) like USAFSAM, 711 HPW, LANL, UC Santa Cruz, and the 53rd WRS
• Provide active and conscientious participation in projects at AFIT relating to high energy atmospheric physics

Where will I be located? Dayton, Ohio

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About AFIT

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space and cyber forces.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

The qualified candidate will have a doctoral degree in physics, nuclear engineering or a related field received within five years of the appointment start date.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Experience with radiation detectors, including plastic scintillators and inorganic scintillators
• Proficiency with computational tools including Python, cron, and the Linux environment
• Coursework or research relating to high energy atmospheric physics phenomena
• Positive attitude and willingness to provide guidance to graduate students

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
• One recommendation.. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov.. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFIT-2022-0016] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Other Physical Sciences
  • Physics