Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF DERBY Research Field Engineering Physics Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Application Deadline 29 Jun 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Nuclear Engineering
The UK nuclear sector is entering a period of transformational growth, with national strategies highlighting a substantial and urgent skills gap in nuclear engineering. At the University of Derby, we are committed to being part of the solution.
The University of Derby has a clear ambition to build a distinctive, high-impact nuclear engineering research agenda that delivers national and international benefit. Significant investment in three senior academic research appointments (one Professor and two Associate Professors) will strengthen research leadership, build critical mass, and shape future capability across nuclear power generation, product and systems engineering. The emphasis is on applied, industry-aligned research that addresses industry-focused challenges, attracts external funding, and delivers tangible impact for the nuclear sector.
This research agenda is closely integrated with advanced research training and innovation. It builds on established success with Rolls‑Royce through the Nuclear Skills Academy, degree apprenticeships, and specialist MSc provision. Research excellence will underpin education, skills development, and workforce innovation, positioning the institution as a trusted leader in nuclear research and innovation. Growing our partnership with BAE Systems, the role will support industry‑embedded PhD programmes, collaboration with in‑house nuclear training teams, and accredited programmes.
Areas of Specialism
* Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Prototyping
* Thermal Hydraulics
Your Impact
* Provide strategic leadership of research across the School and with key industry partners.
* Strengthen and expand external partnerships, securing funding through collaborative research and development initiatives.
* Supervise PhD students funded through University and industry partnerships.
* Contribute to postgraduate teaching, including expert seminars and dissertation supervision on the MSc in Nuclear Product Engineering for Power Generation.
About You
* A strong portfolio of high-quality peer‑reviewed publications.
* Sustained success in securing external research funding.
* The ability to inspire academic teams, influence industry partners, and drive impactful innovation.
We also welcome applications from candidates with predominantly industrial backgrounds, where the scope, scale, and impact of achievements clearly demonstrate senior expertise.
Salary: £58,225 to £88,467 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression of up to £101,738 per annum).
Additional Requirements
These roles are employed by the University of Derby but work in partnership with Rolls‑Royce Submarines Ltd; therefore, in order to undertake the position, an individual must hold Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls‑Royce will support the application for SC if the individual does not currently already have this in place.
Due to the nature of work that Rolls‑Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets, a person must be a UK national, or in MoD‑approved cases, a dual national from a non‑ITAR country; please click here for further details.
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