TRIUMF
Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics
STUDENT JOB PROGRAM
Fall 2018 job posting
Job number TR18-3-22

Position Title:

Beta-radiation detected NMR Physicist (Co-op)  

Name of Project:

Setup of the beta-radiation detected NMR (bNMR) spectrometer at ISAC/TRIUMF  

Overview:

The ISAC facility at TRIUMF is devoted to the production of various short-lived nuclei, whose studies are relevant in atomic, nuclear, and astrophysics, and in applications in material science, biology and medicine. The life science applications are currently gaining strength at ISAC. On one hand, ISAC produces short-lived isotopes which are further tested in medical diagnostics and treatment. On the other hand, the produced isotopes are used for studies in chemistry and biology, to understand the processed underlying medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease.
The beta-radiation detected nuclear magnetic resonance (bNMR) is an ultra-sensitive NMR technique which offers the possibility to interrogate several biologically-relevant elements which are spectroscopically silent in other techniques, such as Mg(II), Ca(II), Cu(I) and Zn(II). We have recently recorded the first bNMR spectrum in solution and now we are setting up a dedicated spectrometer for bNMR experiments on liquid samples at ISAC. It is a multidisciplinary research project bridging metallobiochemistry, nuclear physics and spectroscopy.
The bNMR and life sciences collaborations at TRIUMF are presently working on a dedicated experimental beamline using spin-polarized nuclei and a dedicated bNMR spectrometer devoted to studies on liquid samples for chemical and biological applications. One of the biggest challenges of the project is the connection of the ISAC vacuum system environment to a high pressure measurement chamber required by liquids, while maintaining high-efficiency beam transmission. The student will work on this new experimental setup, both the beam line and spectrometer.

Duties:

The student will be involved in hardware and software aspects of the new experimental setup: design of the beamline elements, ion-optics simulations, the follow up of the manufacturing and ordering of the parts, setup assembly, preparation of the data acquisition system, vacuum tests, tests with stable beams, and preparation of laser-excitation schemes.

Skills learned during this work experience:

The project would allow the student to get acquainted with the basic methods of ion-beam production, preparation and detection in a nuclear physics experiment (mainly bNMR), vacuum technology, and a bit of biophysics. In addition, the student will have a chance to get familiar with physical content such as laser excitation, optical transitions, optical pumping and bNMR spectroscopy.

Qualifications:

Student's profile: hands-on person in 3rd or 4th year of Physics or Engineering Physics program.

Shiftwork required:

Yes

Period of work:

with possible 4-month extension  
Salary is commensurate with academic progress and previous relevant work experience, and ranges from $ 2080 to $ 2800 per month plus 4% vacation pay.
TRIUMF pays round-trip airfare (this does not apply to Vancouver/Victoria students); for Vancouver Island students, TRIUMF will pay ferry costs.

TRIUMF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified undergraduate students as defined below:

  • Canadian undergraduate students or Canadian Permanent Resident undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited post secondary institution in Canada (or outside Canada) who are studying in a vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • Foreign full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level, and who are studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration, and who have a valid Canadian study permit which allows for employment off-campus, and who have applied for a Social Insurance Number
  • Foreign undergraduate students enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program of study abroad who have accepted, or are in the process of accepting, an "Invitation to Apply" for a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/iec/apply.asp

Applications must be received at TRIUMF by 4:00pm Pacific time on 2018-05-24.

To apply for any of the job postings, you must submit one application for each and every job for which you wish to be considered. Please combine all documents into one PDF for each job. All applications can be attached to one email in PDF format. Please do not send electronic documents in formats other than PDF. Please save the PDF as lastname-job number (eg Smith-15.pdf)

    An application consists of a:
  • Covering letter
  • Resume
  • Transcript of all post secondary grades (unofficial copies are accepted)
  • in addition, an online application form must be filled out for each job
    Applications must also clearly indicate:
  • The number of academic terms completed (i.e. terms, semesters, or quarters)
  • The number of work terms completed (or the equivalent)
  • The TRIUMF Job Number must be clearly stated in the covering letter

Students within an university co-op program MUST apply for TRIUMF jobs through their university co-op education office.

Email to:

student@triumf.ca

Mail to:

TRIUMF Student Program
Job Number TR18-3-22
4004 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, B.C.
V6T 2A3

No phone calls please. TRIUMF wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, and regrets that only those being considered will be contacted.

TRIUMF is located on the campus of the University of British Columbia.
For more information, visit our web site
http://www.triumf.ca