If you are interested in working with LUNA, we are happy to offer theses projects for Bachelor or Master theses. Please refer to possible topics below. 

For doctoral studies or postdoctoral research, please consider the following opportunities for PhD studentships and Post-Doctoral Fellowships. These are typically highly selective international competitions and normally require strong academic records and, in the case of post-doctoral jobs, proven research experience and leadership potential. If you think you meet these requirements, please get in touch to discuss things further.

 

New Research Fellowship available at the University of Naples

The Department of Physics at the University of Naples, Italy, has an immediate opening for an postdoctoral fellow in its Nuclear Astrophysics group. The position is situated within the framework of the ERC starting grant project SHADES and the Italian research ministry project EASy, which aims to measure the critical nuclear reaction for astrophysics 22Ne(a,g)26Mg at the deep underground Gran Sasso National Laboratories. The postdoctoral researcher will be a major contributor to the characterisation of the gamma-ray detector, which consists of six large NaI crystals. Candidates must have a master level or equivalent degree in physics and should expect to obtain their PhD before or within the beginning of the contract. Prior experience in gamma-ray detection, Monte Carlo simulations of nuclear physics setups and experience in low energy nuclear astrophysics is considered an advantage. The contract duration is 1 year. Interested applicants should email a curriculum vitae including publications list to Andreas Best (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Requests for additional documentation will be arranged in discussion with the applicant.

 

Theses Projects (B.Sc., M.Sc.)

 

Characterization of targets for the study of the ¹⁴N(p,g)15O reaction.

Ref. Rosanna Depalo, Francesca Cavanna

The thesis will consist in the characterization of the targets used for the study of the ¹⁴N(p,g)¹⁵O.reaction at the LUNA-400 kV accelerator, located at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories (LNGS). This reaction is the slowest of the CNO cycle and has a significant impact on the production of solar CNO neutrinos. The experiment is conducted by sending an intense beam of protons onto solid TiN targets. The gamma radiation emitted from the reaction is detected using a BGO scintillator covering almost the entire solid angle around the target, inserted in a lead shielding to suppress environmental background radiation. The characterization of the targets used is performed through ion beam analysis and is essential for obtaining an accurate measurement of the cross-section of the ¹⁴N(p,g)¹⁵O reaction.

Characterization of a 4π gamma detector for the study of the ¹⁴N(p,g)¹⁵O reaction.

Ref. Rosanna Depalo-Francesca Cavanna

The thesis will focus on the efficiency characterization of the detector used for the study of the 14N(p,g)15O reaction at the LUNA-400 kV accelerator, located at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories (LNGS). This reaction is the slowest in the CNO cycle and has a significant impact on the production of solar CNO neutrinos. The experiment involves sending an intense proton beam onto solid TiN targets. The gamma radiation emitted from the reaction is detected using a scintillator composed of 6 BGO crystals covering almost the entire solid angle around the target, inserted in a lead shielding to suppress environmental background radiation. An accurate characterization of the detector and its implementation in Geant4 simulations is crucial for the success of the experiment. The detection efficiency measurement is performed using radioactive sources and a resonance at 278 keV of the 14N(p,g)15O reaction. The student will analyze the data related to the detection efficiency and verify the accuracy with which these are reproduced by Geant4 simulations.

Analysis of the astrophysically important 832 keV resonance in ²²Ne(a,n)²⁵Mg

Ref. Andreas Best

The reaction ²²Ne(a,n)²⁵Mg is one of most important nuclear reactions to study in order to understand the generation of the heavy elements. Its cross section need to be known in the low energy range between the neutron emission threshold and up to and including a strong resonance at 832 keV. This resonance is the only one so far measured in the astrophysically important energy range, but there are open issues as to its exact energy, strength and spin-parity. With the detector array SHADES and a high intensity alpha beam provided by the MV accelerator of the deep underground Belllotti Ion Beam Facility at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory we will perform detailed measurements of the resonance. The combination of ultra-low neutron background, high efficiency detectors and the highly energy stable, intense ion beam will allow a precise and detailed study of all resonance parameters.

Study of summing effect trought the analysis of the efficiency curve for High Pure Germanium Detector in the study of ¹⁴N(p,g)¹⁵O reaction at Bellotti Ion Beam Facility.

Ref. Alessandro Compagnucci, Alba Formicola

A precise measurement of the g-ray detection efficiency is needed to obtain and absolute cross section determination. The efficiency calibration is normally carried out for an assortment of g-ray energies covering the range of interest to allow construction of an efficiency versus energy curve. The extension of the efficiency curve to higher g-energies is achieved using the g-ray cascade structure of the resonant state of the ¹⁴N(p,g)¹⁵O reaction. The efficiency varies with energy and the complete calibration of a detector system requires that the efficiency versus the energy relationship has been determined. In the construction of a calibration curve, one must take into account the effect of source-to-detector distance. The most common correction at small distance source to -detector occurs in applications involving an isotope that emits g-ray cascades.

 

PhD Studentships 

• GRAN SASSO SCIENCE INSTITUTE (GSSI, Italy). Calls for applications are issued once a year, typically in April. Studentships are for 3 years, including a one-year compulsory attendance to training courses. Successful applicants will receive a gross stipend of €16,200/year. Accommodation and meals in L’Aquila are provided free of charge. For further details, please visit: http://gssi.infn.it 

   If interested in applying, please contact: Dr Alba Formicola (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

• Calls for PhD positions are also issued once per year, typically between April and July, at University of Napoli, University of Genova, University of Milano, University of Padova, University of Torino, University of Bari.

   If interested in applying, please contact a Collaboration member at the chosen institution.

  

Post-Doctoral Positions and Fellowships

• INFN POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS  (ITALY). Eligible applicants must hold a PhD title (or equivalent). For further details, please visit: https://jobs.dsi.infn.it/index.php

   If interested in applying, please contact any of the Italian members of the LUNA Collaboration

• ROYAL SOCIETY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FELLOWS (UK). The scheme provides the opportunity to build an independent research career. Those appointed are expected to be strong candidates for permanent posts in universities at the end of their fellowships. The Fellowships are for 5 years with a possible 3 year extension. The basic salary requested should be at a level commensurate with the applicant’s skills, responsibilities, expertise and experience, up to a maximum of £39,708.70 per annum. Eligible candidates must posses a PhD title and between 3-8 years of post-doctoral research experience by the application deadline. Applications are normally agreed with the host institute (School of Physics and Astronomy - University of Edinburgh). Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview at the Royal Society in early-mid April. For further details, please visit: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/university-research/

   If interested in applying, please contact: Prof Marialuisa Aliotta (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

• ROYAL SOCIETY NEWTON INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS (UK). The scheme provides the opportunity for the best early stage post-doctoral researchers from all over the world to work at UK research institutions for a period of two years. Eligible candidates should have completed their PhD by the time funding starts. They should have no more than 7 years of active full time postdoctoral experience at the time of application (exceptions apply). Applicants should discuss their research project with the host institution (School of Physics and Astronomy - University of Edinburgh) well in advance of the intended deadline. Newton Fellowships last for 2 years. Funding consists of £24,000 per annum for subsistence costs, and up to £8,000 per annum research expenses, as well as a one-off payment of up to £2,000 for relocation expenses. Application rounds are typically in March and September. For further details, please visit: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/newton-international/

   If interested in applying, please contact: Prof Marialuisa Aliotta (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

Please note that additional opportunities may arise from time to time at individual institutions members of the Collaboration. If you are interested in joining the collaboration, please get in touch with the 

Collaboration Spokesperson

Dr. Alba Formicola

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

For LNGS access rules and accomodation please visit: 

https://www.lngs.infn.it/en/life-work

https://www.lngs.infn.it/en/visiting