Senior Materials Scientist

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Senior Materials Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in focus on the development of novel fusion-relevant steel alloys within the MSE team. The role is for a fixed term appointment of 3 years, with a performance-based option for 6 month extension.

The role will be primarily based at the University of Manchester, with occasional time spent at the Culham site.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in UKAEA’s research programs on materials for fusion. Organise, support and coordinate short- and long-term projects, arranging specimen/data procurement, scope of work, funding and resources for sample preparation, testing, modelling.
• Deliver high quality, novel research or engineering in the field of nuclear materials through own endeavour and creative input.
• Compile and present results within technical reports, at scientific conferences and through publication of high-quality research articles.
• Work with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields) in order to complement UKAEA's internal capability.
• Contribute to the development and positive reinforcement of UKAEA’s knowledge base, design rules and practices in the area of materials & nuclear physics research and development.
• Contribute to bids for and delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates).
• Propose, secure funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion PPPT Enabling Research, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates).

Requirements

Essential Requirements:

• Degree in material science or equivalent.
• Excellent skills in microstructural characterisation, particularly via transmission electron microscopy
• Post graduate research in materials science demonstrated either through work experience in the materials field in industry, or a MSc / PhD degree.
• Research experience in nuclear materials science and/or in steel alloy development. Research experience with materials damaged by radiation.

Desirable

• Research experience in nuclear materials science and/or in steel alloy development.
• Research experience with materials damaged by radiation.
• Experience in a range of mechanical testing and microstructural assessment techniques.
• Understanding of key fusion-relevant materials and manufacturing and assembly challenges.
• Experience of materials selection/justification in previous projects.
• Experience of writing research proposals and/ or project planning.
• Data management experience.