TRIUMF
Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics
STUDENT JOB PROGRAM
Spring 2019 job posting
Job number TR19-1-21

Position Title:

Contributing to TRIUMF's new ultracold-neutron source and neutron EDM experiment 

Name of Project:

TRIUMF ultracold advanced neutron source and EDM experiment (TUCAN) 

Overview:

Fundamental properties of the neutron played an important role in the formation of the universe as we know it today. An ideal tool to study these properties are ultracold neutrons (UCNs). They have such low energy that they can be stored in traps for several minutes.

This allows extremely precise measurements of the neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM). If an nEDM is found, it would indicate a violation of the symmetry between matter and antimatter and could explain why we observe no antimatter in the universe today.

The long storage times also allow us to measure aspects of neutron decay, like its lifetime and interactions with the weak nuclear force. These are important to understand the formation of elements in the early universe and in stars.

A unique aspect of ultracold neutrons is their interaction with gravity, which allows measurements of bound quantum states in Earth's gravitational field and tests of non-Newtonian gravitation.

All these experiments depend on a handful of UCN sources worldwide and are usually limited by the UCN density they can provide. TRIUMF recently commissioned a UCN source and produced first ultracold neutrons. At the same time, a new, upgraded source and an nEDM experiment are currently in the planning stage.

Duties:

Students will have the opportunity to
- analyze data taken during operation of the source and compare it to simulations,
- maintain and improve the existing UCN source,
- contribute to design of the new source and nEDM experiment, and
- perform lab experiments with parts of the new nEDM experiment.

This work will be carried out in a team environment with physicists and graduate students from TRIUMF and the Universities of British Columbia (UBC), Winnipeg (UW), Manitoba (UM), Osaka (RCNP) and Tokio (KEK).

Skills learned during this work experience:

During data analysis and simulations, students will learn about ultracold-neutron physics, statistics, and Monte Carlo methods. Working on the existing and new UCN source will provide insight into the design of vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, and the required sensors and controls. While working on the nEDM experiment, students can learn about magnetic fields, their interaction with nuclear spins, and high-voltage systems.
Additionally, participation in our weekly international status meetings is highly recommended to get introduced into the international collaboration.
We are providing a stimulating environment for students to learn new things while contributing significantly to the progress of the project.

Qualifications:

Third or fourth year physics or engineering physics (Eng.Phys.) with some experimental experience. Experience using CAD software (ideally SolidWorks) is recommended. Some experience using FEA software (e.g. ANSYS, Opera, FEMM), C++ (or equivalent), and Linux would be advantageous for the simulations and analysis.
Affinity for experimental techniques and development is what we are looking for in an ideal candidate.

Shiftwork required:

No

Period of work:

Jan - Apr 2019 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 2018-09-24.

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 TR19-1-21
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