Overview
Are you eager to support a nuclear materials research programme of national significance? We have a very exciting opportunity in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering for someone with a passion for nuclear materials to support the newly established PuMaS Hub (Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub), jointly hosted between the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield. The position will be held for five years at the University of Sheffield and is suited towards a candidate with strong skills in ceramic processing, wasteform development, disposability, and actinide materials, keen to pursue a career in nuclear industry/academia.
The UK holds a significant inventory of separated plutonium that will be appropriately managed by immobilisation and disposal strategies. Zirconolite ceramics (hot isostatic pressing) and disposal MOx materials are considered feasible routes to disposition and are at the forefront of current research activities. The PDRA will be based within the Immobilisation Science Laboratory at the University of Sheffield and will join the HADES Facility for High Activity Decommissioning Engineering and Science, which provides state-of-the-art materials processing and characterisation equipment for high radionuclide inventories.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Conduct laboratory-based investigations on the development and performance testing of advanced ceramic materials.
* Establish and advance knowledge on the application of ceramic materials to Pu disposition challenges.
* Provide ongoing technical support and day-to-day supervision for students in the PuMaS Hub and support technical operations in the wider academic group (ISL/HADES).
* Supervise PhD and undergraduate/postgraduate students, contributing toward an academic track record and career development.
* Fabricate Pu zirconolite specimens and develop/optimise characterisation procedures (e.g., XRD, SEM) for Pu-active materials.
* Operate and maintain the HIP unit and liaise with external technical support/contractors.
* Strengthen national and international research collaborations in the UK nuclear materials community.
* Collaborate with PI and RPS to develop Pu-active facilities at the University of Sheffield, including method development and safe analytical practices, and act as the UoS SQEP for Pu active processes.
* Aim for an independent research career, potentially through lecturer appointment or research fellowships supported by the host institution.
* Contribute to a positive, inclusive research environment with regard to safety and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
* Develop protocols for Pu-active leach experiments within a glovebox environment.
Person specification
We value diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please reference the application criteria in your application statement.
* A good honours degree (or equivalent) in materials science, radiochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related discipline.
* Hold or be close to completion of a PhD (or equivalent experience) in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, civil engineering, physics, or another relevant discipline, with knowledge of cementitious materials for nuclear and construction sectors.
* Knowledge and experience in the chemistry of ceramic materials relevant to decommissioning challenges (zirconolite, pyrochlore, oxides).
* Experience with hot isostatic pressing (processing, welding, sample preparation, maintenance, recovery).
* Solid-state characterisation techniques (XRD, SEM, Raman, TGA) for powders and solids; knowledge of advanced characterisation techniques (GI-XRD, EXAFS, ICP-MS, TEM).
* Experience handling radioactive materials, including monitoring and decontamination protocols.
* Strong ability to communicate results to academic and industrial audiences, evidenced by publications and conference participation relevant to career stage.
* Ability to design and conduct experiments to measure properties of complex material systems; good resource planning and project progression skills.
* Ability to work within a university research group and in collaboration with external partners.
Further information
Grade Grade 7
Salary £38,784 - £41,064
Work arrangement Full-time
Duration Start as soon as possible with an end date of 30/09/2030
Line manager Lecturer in Nuclear Materials
Direct reports N/A
Our Disability Confident Employer status means you will be invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process if you meet the essential criteria.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone. Details at Sheffield Vision.
What We Offer
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave (pro rata) with the option to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working where applicable.
* Generous pension scheme and a range of discounts and rewards.
* Staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
* Recognition awards for exceptional performance and development opportunities through Academic Career Pathways.
* Family-friendly policies supporting parenting and caring emergencies, menopause support, fertility treatment, and more.
Next steps Selection is anticipated in early October and may include a presentation and panel interview. For accessibility or adjustments, contact cmbe-postaward@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our location Wakefield, England, United Kingdom
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