Research Associate (Actinide Solid State Science)

Diversity Dashboard; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester in Manchester is seeking a Research Associate to join the Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE) and help advance actinide science and innovation. You will conduct experimental work on actinide materials and contribute to building a national hub for collaborative research.

Based in Manchester, you will work on plutonium materials, glovebox commissioning, and cross-disciplinary ACE activities, developing high‑level expertise and supporting the growth of ACE partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Undertake experimental research in actinide solid state science to advance fundamental understanding of actinide materials.
• Probe material performance under relevant conditions and develop characterization techniques for actinide materials, with emphasis on plutonium.
• Perform actinide experiments across areas: physical, mechanical and electronic properties; microstructural analysis; materials signature studies; solid–gas corrosion.
• Commission glovebox facilities in the Nuclear Fuels Centre of Excellence for plutonium handling and study.
• Collaborate with ACE focus areas and contribute to growing ACE activities with new partners.
• Develop a wide range of high-level skills and become a valued nuclear subject-matter expert.

Job description

This Research Associate (RA) will form an integral part of the Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE), which is a collaboration between the University of Manchester and AWE, and has the intention to grow by the inclusion of other national partners and universities. This role represents an exciting opportunity by helping to establish ACE (https://www.awe.co.uk/2026/06/awe-and-the-university-of-manchester-launch-actinides-centre-of-excellence/) - a national hub of collaborative research activity that aims to progress fundamental and low TRL Actinide Science & Innovation, intends to attract and train cohorts of future nuclear talent, and create tomorrow's Subject Matter Experts. This role is part of a commitment from both the University of Manchester and AWE to advancing actinides research and innovation across thematic areas including materials recycle and solution process chemistry, and will play a pivotal part in shaping our future research landscape in nuclear science and engineering.

The RA will be responsible for undertaking experimental research in actinide solid state science advancing the fundamental understanding of the behaviour of actinide materials. Research activities will include probing the performance of these materials under various relevant conditions as well as develop state-of-the-art characterisation techniques for actinide bearing materials with an emphasis on plutonium. This role provides the opportunity to work across a variety of specific project areas over the term of the post delivering high priority actinide research needs for AWE as determined by the ACE management team. A large breadth of actinide experimental research is likely to be undertaken across (but not limited to) the following:

• Physical, mechanical and electronic property measurements
• Microstructural analysis and imaging
• Materials signature studies
• Solid-gas corrosion measurements.

The research associate will work with the ACE technical team to deliver commissioning of new glovebox facilities in the Nuclear Fuels Centre of Excellence dedicated to handling and studying plutonium materials. It is expected this research associate will closely engage with the other ACE research focus areas in materials recycle & solution process chemistry and analysis & spectroscopy, and contribute to the growth of ACE activities with the involvement of new partners and expanded research interests. This role, therefore, offers a significant opportunity to develop a wide range of high-level skills and expertise, providing a clear pathway to become a highly valued subject matter expert for the nuclear sector.

(Grades 6-9)

Our benefits include:
Generous employer contribution pension
29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here .

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Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Robert Harrison Senior Lecturer

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

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Technical and job portal support

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Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.