<div><p><b>Location:</b> Central Cambridge</p><p>A unique and exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to work on the ERC URÅNIA: Unique Research Asset for Nuclear Innovative Applications.</p><p>The main aim of this post is to reveal the precursors acting across the previously unseen incubation stage of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) initiation by using advanced microscopy and a breakthrough methodology and contribute to the effective demonstration of the URÅNIA scope in strong synergy with all partners under the guidance of the Principal Investigator.</p><p>The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK. This is a full‑time post but part‑time requests may be considered.</p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Conduct and drive the highly challenging ERC URÅNIA research project objectives in strong synergy with all partners under the guidance of the PI.</li><li>Contribute to research discussions and technical development of the project objectives and foster other team members’ technical and personal development.</li><li>Assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of this research according to the ERC methodology.</li><li>Write up research papers at a high standard for presentation and publication.</li><li>Present the outcomes of this research at national and international conferences.</li><li>Assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, and/or identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds.</li></ul><h3>Required Skills and Experience</h3><ul><li>Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Nuclear Materials, Materials Science, Energy/Materials Engineering, Chemistry or a related area.</li><li>Essential: demonstrable experience in spectroscopy and microscopy; a major asset is proficiency and skill in Cryo‑Focused Ion Beam (FIB) & Atom Probe Tomography (APT).</li><li>Excellent technical skills and an accurate experimental mindset with a passion for frontier science.</li><li>Desirable: demonstrable experience in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), micromechanical testing (tensile testing), electrochemistry.</li><li>Essential: relevant publications in microscopy/materials science. Candidates should have experience in metallurgy/ceramics, and a major asset is training in nuclear contexts.</li><li>A minimum of three strong scholarly journal publications with proven evidence or primary responsibility and contribution. Awards (e.g. Best Paper and/or Best Oral Presentation) are desirable.</li><li>Excellent writing and presentation skills; demonstrated ability to work with other researchers.</li></ul><p>Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD or being close to obtaining one. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.</p><p><b>Salary Ranges:</b></p><p>Research Assistant: GBP 33,002 - GBP 35,608</p><p>Research Associate: GBP 37,694 - GBP 46,049</p><p><b>Contract:</b> Fixed‑term. The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.</p><p>The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.</p></div>