Open to opportunities

Cristina Maciá

@cristinamaci

Physics PhD researcher specializing in neutron-based material characterization, radiation instrumentation, and Monte Carlo simulation.

Spain

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to apply neutron-based characterization, detector instrumentation, and Monte Carlo simulation to particle beam and radiation physics challenges in medical, energy, or industrial applications—bridging experiment and modeling to optimise system performance.

I’m a Physics PhD researcher (expected June 2026) specialising in neutron-based material characterisation, radiation instrumentation, and Monte Carlo transport simulation. At the Materials Physics Centre (CSIC-UPV/EHU), I designed and implemented Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Prompt-Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) experiments at compact D-T/D-D neutron generators and proton-driven CANS facilities, achieving detection limits for chlorine and sulfur in cement matrices at the ppm level.

I developed and validated Monte Carlo radiation transport models in PHITS to characterise neutron flux spectra, optimise shielding and collimation geometry, and predict detector energy deposition—reducing fast-neutron background at the HPGe detector via systematic parameter sweeps. I operate and calibrate HPGe gamma spectrometry systems and neutron imaging detectors, perform full spectral analysis in Python, and apply neutron radiography and computed tomography; I also gained facility experience through research stays at ILL, ISIS, and the IAEA. I’m motivated to apply this background to advanced particle beam and radiation physics challenges in medical, energy, or industrial applications.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Predoctoral Researcher

Current

Materials Physics Centre (CSIC-UPV/EHU)

Oct 2022 - Present (3 years 9 months)

Designed and implemented neutron activation (NAA) and prompt-gamma (PGAA) experiments at compact neutron generators and CANS facilities. Developed and validated PHITS Monte Carlo transport models and operated/calibrated HPGe gamma spectrometry and neutron imaging detectors, applying radiography/CT to study cement-based composites.

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA)Time Of Flight Spectroscopy Detector Calibration Scipy Matplotlib Spectral Analysis Peak Fitting Neutron And Photon Transport Collimation Geometry Optimization Experiment–Simulation Validation Scientific Writing

Research Stay

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Conducted neutron activation and prompt-gamma experiments using D-D and D-T neutron generators at the IAEA Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory. Participated in workshop training on safe neutron generator operation and familiarised with international neutron measurement, activation analysis, and quality assurance standards.

Neutron Activation Experiments Prompt Gamma Experiments D D Neutron Generators D T Neutron Generators Neutron Measurement Standards

Research Stay

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (STFC)

Conducted time-of-flight neutron experiments for materials characterization, developing expertise in pulsed-source instrumentation and TOF data reduction. Collaborated with instrument scientists on experimental design and benchmarking against compact-source results.

Time Of Flight Neutron Experiments Pulsed Spallation Neutron Instrumentation TOF Data Reduction Experimental Design Benchmarking

Research Stay

Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL)

Performed neutron spectroscopy and diffraction experiments on cement-based materials at the ILL high-flux reactor, using cold and thermal neutron beams. Gained experience operating large-scale neutron beam instruments within a major international facility’s quality, safety, and scheduling framework.

Neutron Spectroscopy High Flux Reactor Neutron Beams Radiation Beam Facility Quality And Safety Frameworks

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Physics

2022 - 2026

PhD in Physics (Nanostructures and Advanced Materials) at CSIC-UPV/EHU, expected to complete in June 2026. Thesis focuses on assessing the capabilities of compact neutron sources for studying cement-based materials.