Post-Doctoral Fellow LERIB

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

iThemba LABS is Africa's leading research facility for accelerator-based science that is committed to advance knowledge, transform lives and inspire the nation. We do this through probing fundamental aspects of nuclear structure, investigating the origins of matter, and advancing humanity's understanding of condensed matter. We have a direct societal impact through the provision of radioisotopes for the health sector and isotope analysis for the environmental sector.

iThemba LABS is developing a Low-Energy Radioactive-Ion Beam (LERIB) facility, which is part of the long-range plan to produce radioactive-ion beams (RIBs) for research in South Africa. The applications of RIBs include the development of advanced materials and the separation of new radioisotopes for use in medicine, while the study of exotic isotopes holds the key to understanding the formation of elements in the universe. Present research includes studying the techniques of production and separation of isotopes of interest for theranostic medicine. LERIB will use a target/ion-source that is based on the "front-end" of the ISOLDE facility at CERN. An off-line test facility, established at iThemba LABS, and comprising a front-end and a mass separator, is now producing stable beams and long-lived radioactive beams. Various sub-components, including computer control, a FEBIAD (plasma) ion-source, and low-intensity beam diagnostics, are presently being developed and commissioned on the test facility.

iThemba LABS seeks to appoint a suitably qualified postdoctoral scientist who will join the in-house team to play a key role in the development of radioactive-ion beams at iThemba LABS.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Development of new RIB ion-sources
• Development of new RIB species.
• Development off hardware and software associated with RIB production and detection
• Assist with installation of front-end in on-line facility
• Assist with maintenance of facility.
• Collaborate with overseas RIB production groups

Key Requirements:
Qualification: Ph.D. in experimental physics

Experience:
0-3 years' experience in either accelerator physics, nuclear physics or laser physics

Knowledge:

• Ability to acquire expertise in other disciplines and new areas of knowledge Excellent analytical thinking skills
• Excellent problem-solving abilities Good hardware design skills
• Good software programming skills
• Good interpersonal/team dynamics skills
• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to work as an individual and as a member of a team
• Applicable knowledge to work safely in a laboratory environment
• Knowledge in Ion-beam Optics, Laser Physics, Nuclear Reactions and Chemistry is advantageous
• General principles of RIB production using the Isotope Separation OnLine (ISOL) technique

Additional Notes:
The incumbent may be required to perform certain tasks in areas exposed to ionizing radiation. Therefore, as an occupationally exposed worker, medical clearance by a certified and authorised Occupational Medical Practitioner will be required, and all exposed and potentially exposed employees will be subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the provisions of the Radiation Safety Regulations.

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
 

Closing Date: 14 November 2025
The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.
The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only

For more information please contact ra.bark@ilabs.nrf.ac.za