Overview
In collaboration with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory this role will involve the fabrication of active vitrified wasteform simulants. After producing uranium‑containing glasses, the successful candidate will analyse their chemical and physical properties, including glass‑transition temperature, viscosity and durability.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Manufacture uranium‑containing glasses of compositions defined by the industrial sponsors UKNNL.
* Characterise these glasses to determine properties including density, viscosity, glass‑transition temperature and durability.
* Follow ASTM standard protocols to conduct Soxhlet and PCT‑B durability tests ensuring high data quality and reproducibility.
* Conduct visual inspections of the glasses by light microscope and SEM.
* Communicate findings both verbally and in writing to industrial sponsors UKNNL.
* Ensure the timely completion of final and interim project reports.
* Travel to UKNNL facilities (potentially including those in Cumbria) for project meetings if necessary.
* Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborators over work progress.
* Plan and manage dissemination of project results.
* Assist the investigators in managing grant finances.
* Initiate necessary materials / equipment purchase requisition.
* As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications
* PhD (or equivalent) in materials science, chemistry, physics or related discipline.
* Strong practical laboratory skills including thermal treatment (glass making), aqueous phase analysis and solid‑state characterisation techniques.
* Knowledge and experience of radioactive waste immobilisation in glass materials.
* Experience with glassmaking, dissolution experiments, viscosity measurements, DSC, SEM or other solid‑state characterisation methods.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience delivering presentations.
* Experience of working with industry partners on collaborative projects.
* Ability to organise own research work and meet deadlines for deliverables.
* Independent, proactive approach with strong time‑management and decision‑making skills.
Salary
£38,784 – £41,064 per annum (Fixed‑term 9 months, Full‑time).
Benefits
* 41 days annual leave (including public holidays) with optional purchase.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Meal vouchers and travel discounts.
* Recognition awards for outstanding performance.
* Access to learning and mentoring programmes.
* Family‑friendly policies, including paid parental leave and fertility support.
Additional requirements
This role requires a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check. It also encourages applicants with disabilities under the University's Disability Confident policy.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
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