Research Associate in Plutonium Ceramic Materials

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to support a nuclear materials research programme. This position involves working within the Immobilisation Science Laboratory at the University of Sheffield, focusing on ceramic processing and wasteform development. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and experience with advanced characterisation techniques. This role presents a unique opportunity within a state-of-the-art research environment.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in ceramic processing, wasteform development, and actinide materials.
• Experience with advanced characterisation techniques is required.

Responsibilities

• Support the nuclear materials research programme at the newly established Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub.
• Work within the Immobilisation Science Laboratory at the University of Sheffield.

Skills

Ceramic processing

Wasteform development

Actinide materials

Advanced characterisation techniques

Education

PhD in a relevant engineering or science subject

Job description

Overview

University of Sheffield

Are you eager to support a nuclear materials research programme of national significance? We have a very exciting opportunity in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering for someone with a passion for nuclear materials to support the newly established Plutonium Ceramics Academic Hub, jointly hosted between the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield (PuMaS). The position will be held for five years at the University of Sheffield and is suited towards a candidate with strong skills in ceramic processing, wasteform development, disposability, and actinide materials, keen to seek a career in nuclear industry/academia.

About the role

This PDRA position will be based within the Immobilisation Science Laboratory at the University of Sheffield (School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering). The research group hosts the HADES Facility for High Activity Decommissioning Engineering and Science, established with investment of £1M by UKRI EPSRC and the University of Sheffield, with state-of-the-art materials processing and characterisation equipment, to enable higher throughput research and work with high radionuclide inventories. The Facility incorporates prior investment of c. £8M in laboratory refurbishment, space, and equipment within the MIDAS facility and allied Royce Institute, to provide a single point of user access. HADES is accommodated within 500m2 of high-quality radio-materials chemistry laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation for materials formulation, processing, characterisation and performance assessment.

Requirements

• We are seeking candidates with a PhD (or an equivalent level of research experience) in a relevant engineering or science subject as well as a knowledge of the chemistry of ceramic materials relevant to decommissioning challenges.
• As this role involves working with radioactive materials, you will also need experience/knowledge of advanced characterisation techniques.

Diversity and inclusion

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.