Monte Carlo Methods Developer

About the Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for a Monte Carlo methods developer to join a cutting-edge development team for simulation of Radiation Transport and Reactor Physics. The role involves methods and software development to support the development of our software and nuclear data products, perform complex technical analyses and deliver technical training. The nuclear industry is moving away from traditional reactor designs towards new small modular reactor (SMR) and advanced modular reactor (AMR) designs, claiming improved safety features and lower build costs.

The medical world is using new radiation therapies such as proton beam therapy and flash radiotherapy to treat complex cancers. The space industry is pushing the envelope on future mission profiles, increasing demands on shielding capabilities for both people and equipment. These new concepts bring exciting new modelling challenges and require the introduction of innovative approaches in mathematics, physics, engineering and software development.

The ANSWERS® Software Service has, for almost 40 years, provided customers with high quality software and consultancy services in nuclear criticality, reactor physics, radiation shielding, dosimetry and nuclear data. ANSWERS codes are widely used in more than 30 countries around the world. Our global customer base helps us to stay at the forefront of nuclear code use and develop solutions that can be applied to all reactor systems and all stages of the fuel lifecycle.

The insights gained from our interactions with customers are embedded in the software and applications we develop, used around the world, across our full range of engineering services.

ANSWERS are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative individual with strong experience in Monte Carlo simulations to work in a variety of technical teams, developing and maintaining our state-of-the-art computational analysis codes, and assisting with analysis work for a broad range of established and cutting-edge reactor designs, clinical treatments and space shielding applications.

This role will present excellent opportunities for an individual looking to deepen their skills and experience in radiation transport physics. This knowledge will be applied on projects in nuclear engineering, medical physics and space shielding. The projects will provide professional development in leading technical work and collaborating with industry, academia and the international community, from small teams to large interdisciplinary projects.

This role will be based at either our Dorchester or Warrington offices, with the opportunity to travel to client sites, conferences and workshops etc. as required. Some home / remote working is also available, and consideration will also be given in respect to part time & flexible working hours. Key responsibilities will be:

• Code developer of radiation transport and reactor physics codes
• Development of underpinning mathematical and physical theories in our codes
• Performing complex radiation transport analysis
• Delivering technical training courses to a specialist audience
• Working as a team to develop and refine theoretical models and computational simulations
• Presenting results at technical meetings and conferences (where appropriate)
• Interfacing closely with the international academic research community
• Generating new business through interaction with international commercial customers

• An undergraduate degree in mathematics, physics or engineering, or any other subject with a strong mathematical component
• Experience in the application of Monte Carlo methods to modelling radiation transport
• A strong background in mathematical and physical theory and its implementation in computational modelling software
• Programming skills in languages such as Fortran, Python or Java
• Ability to think innovatively and to solve complex problems
• Ability to quickly and efficiently absorb new technical skills
• Self-motivated, with a genuine passion for the field of radiation transport/ nuclear physics
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Our values are…