Research Assistant/Associate in Nuclear Engineering and Reactor Design (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Cambridge is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to contribute to advanced reactor design projects. The role involves leading technical interactions, developing models, and project management within a collaborative team. Candidates should have a PhD in Nuclear Engineering or be near completion, along with expertise in reactor physics and thermal hydraulics. The position offers a competitive salary from £32,546 to £45,413 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Expertise in reactor physics and thermal hydraulics of nuclear systems.
• Knowledge of fast reactor and high-temperature reactor technology.
• Experience in developing mathematical, numerical and computational models.

Responsibilities

• Lead interaction with project partners on SFR and GFR technologies.
• Develop detailed neutronic and thermal hydraulic models.
• Prepare manuscripts and reports.
• Undertake project management activities.

Skills

Reactor physics

Thermal hydraulics

Mathematical modeling

Numerical modeling

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Job description

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on the development of advanced fast reactor designs contributing to two international projects funded by UKRI through the EU Horizon scheme. Fast reactors offer significant advantages in terms of economics, safety and flexibility of their fuel cycle. These ongoing projects aim to bring sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) designs closer to commercialisation. The projects bring together multiple research and industry partner organisations across Europe.

The post-holder will be located in central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The key responsibilities and duties are: (i) to lead the interaction with the project partners in acquiring knowledge of SFR and GFR technologies relevant to this project; (ii) to develop detailed neutronic and thermal hydraulic models for performance assessment of the reactor concepts; (iii) to develop analysis tools for assessment of specific safety features of the considered designs; (iv) to prepare manuscripts and reports; and (v) to undertake a range of project management activities including co-supervision of graduate and undergraduate projects, participating in project meetings, maintaining software and its documentation, maintaining a web site.

The candidate will have obtained (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Nuclear Engineering. Other skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role include expertise in reactor physics and thermal hydraulics of nuclear systems; knowledge of fast reactor and high-temperature reactor technology; experience in developing mathematical, numerical and computational models; the ability to work as part of a team with excellent communication skills.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. 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.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant: £32,546 - £35,116

Research Associate: £37,174 - £45,413

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 August 2027 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Prof. Eugene Shwageraus ([e-mail]) if they are of a technical nature, or Mrs. Helene Jones ([e-mail]), if they concern the application procedure.

Please quote reference NM46767 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Research Assistant: £32,546 - £35,116 Research Associate: £37,174 - £45,413