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

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

Job summary

A prestigious UK university in Cambridge seeks a Research Assistant/Associate for advanced fast reactor design projects. Candidates should have a PhD in Nuclear Engineering or be nearing completion. Responsibilities include leading project interactions, developing performance assessment models, and project management. Salary ranges between £32,546 - £45,413 depending on qualifications. The position is fixed-term until August 31, 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering or close to obtaining it.
• Experience in developing mathematical and computational models for nuclear systems.
• Knowledge of fast reactor and high-temperature reactor technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead interaction with project partners on SFR and GFR technologies.
• Develop neutronic and thermal hydraulic models for reactor performance assessment.
• Create analysis tools for safety features of reactor designs.

Skills

Expertise in reactor physics

Thermal hydraulics of nuclear systems

Mathematical modeling

Numerical and computational modeling

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Nuclear Engineering

Job description

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.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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, and 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.