The analysis of irradiated fuels offers a unique opportunity to acquire fundamental data and basic nuclear data. The fuel characterizations can be performed directly on the solid (oxide or cladding) or after a dissolution step in a shielded cell. The mainly requested analyses are isotopic analyses of actinides and certain fission products. Neutronic studies require the most accurate possible determination of isotope ratios among actinides, such as the 236U/237Np, 238U/238Pu, 241Am/238Pu, 242Cm/238Pu ratios, etc. These measurements are essentially performed by isotope dilution followed by measurement using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). To overcome the challenges related to the high radioactivity of the samples, the absence of reference material necessary for the isotope dilution (for example for Np and Cm) and the need to reduce measurement uncertainties, these experiments require the analysis of elemental ratios among actinides (U/Pu, Am/Pu, U/Np, Pu/Np, Cm/Pu, etc.). This helps, thanks to the prior determination of isotope abundance, to calculate the different actinides isotope ratios.
To meet these new challenges, we are looking for a Research Engineer in analytical chemistry (M/F). You will notably have to:
- Implement analysis methods using mass spectrometry and alpha spectrometry;
- Implement measurements by X-ray fluorescence of the L lines (XRF), a non-destructive technique directly implemented in the shielded cell line on the Atalante facility;
- Develop the laboratory's expertise in the elemental analysis of actinides in irradiated fuel;
- Ensure the scientific visibility of the laboratory by promoting the results through the writing of publications and participation in conferences in the field of activity.
You hold a PhD in analytical chemistry or chemical physics, preferably with a specialization in mass spectrometry or other spectroscopy techniques. Your analytical mind, sense of organization, service-oriented attitude, and rigor ar