Associate professor of nuclear engineering

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.

We have a clear ambition to build a distinctive, high-impact nuclear engineering research agenda that delivers national and international benefit. Significant investment in senior academic research appointments 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, this role will support industry-embedded PhD programmes, collaboration with in‑house nuclear training teams, and accredited programmes.

Areas of Specialism

• Advanced Materials, Manufacturing & Prototyping
• Digital Engineering
• Thermal Hydraulics
• Reactor Technology (including SMR)

Your Impact

As an Associate Professor, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s reputation in nuclear research and innovation. You will:

• 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

We are seeking established leaders with a recognised track record of excellence. You will demonstrate:

• 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.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days, inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• A suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support, including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and a comprehensive employee assistance programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high-street retailers
• Discounted on-site gym
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

This role is employed by the University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls‑Royce Submarines Ltd; therefore, in order to undertake this 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 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.

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.