Postdoctoral Research Associate in Space Reactor Fuel Development

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Space Reactor Fuel Development

Company

Bangor University

Job description

Applications are invited for a temporary 12-month, full time Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Space Reactor Fuel Development working in the School of Computer Science and Engineering’s Nuclear Futures Institute, working with Rolls-Royce and the UK Space Agency.Duties will include developing novel material manufacturing processes based on chemical vapour deposition methods for materials to be used within a power generating space micro-reactor. In addition to the manufacture aspect of the project, non-destructive testing analysis of the material forms produced will be assessed. The duties will also include dissemination of information and the attendance of regular meetings with key stakeholders.Candidates will have a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a similar engineering discipline (or be close to completion) or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role and have previous experience in manufacturing of materials, ideally nuclear fuels but not limited to those with nuclear experience.Candidates will have experimental experience in material manufacture, particularly related to composite ceramic/metallic (CERMET) materials. Applicants with experience using advanced deposition methods (including vapour deposition) will be looked upon favourably but training may be provided for those who do not possess the expertise. Similarly, training can be provided to those who do not have experience working with uranic materials in a research capacity.The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible.This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through , there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.Closing date for applications: 2nd September 2024Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Prof Simon Middleburgh, s.middleburgh@bangor.ac.ukCommitted To Equal OpportunitiesOverviewBangor University through the Nuclear Futures Institute (NFI) has established a world leading capability in Nuclear Engineering, which is placing north Wales as a global centre, delivering international partnerships and opportunity from a rich mix of existing and new talent. Our expertise relating to space nuclear power is clear, and we are looking for key hires within the team to support the international community accelerate the realisation of nuclear space power and propulsion for space exploration.The ProjectDeveloping novel nuclear fuels for robust use in space applications is key for both industry and government space aspirations. The Nuclear Futures Institute is being supported through the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme with Rolls-Royce to understand the potential manufacture routes for high density space fuels. Robustness and safety is key and the project is intended to develop novel manufacture methods that can be scaled appropriately and assure safe operation of the missions where the nuclear systems are applied.The Nuclear Futures Institute aims to attract and retain world-leading academics to Welsh Universities in strategically important sectors. The Nuclear Futures Institute in Bangor is seeking to further develop its research excellence in nuclear fuel engineering.Purpose of the JobThe post is part of an established team working in the area of nuclear space systems. The project involves the development of novel fuels for assessment in space power applications. The research will provide novel routes for fuel manufacture and assessment ensuring the licensing pathway for the fuel is understood, including the use of test reactor irradiations to demonstrate operational properties of the fuel.The post holder will be responsible for planning, conducting, analysing and publishing a series of experimental studies, liaising with external and internal partners.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesGathering and analysis of data and development of safety related protocols related to novel manufacture methods. This includes:

• Mastering novel manufacturing techniques related to nuclear fuels for space.
• Development of laboratory based quantitative models or techniques.
• Aiding the procurement of materials and hardware for the programme.
• Acquiring and maintaining a thorough and up to date knowledge of the scientific literature related to the research aims of the project.
• Actively support the principal investigator in developing new techniques.
• Scheduling and testing research.
• Collecting and analysing data.

Delivering research outcomes related to the programme. This could include:

• Contribution to the dissemination of research outputs through relevant scientific technical and public press and conferences.
• Working with partners to disseminate results to industry.
• Write regular updates on progress to the project management group.
• Collaborate with co-researchers.
• Support writing final reports.
• Discussing and sharing results with grant holders.
• Support the wider space nuclear programme ongoing within the group.
• Disseminate and provide regular updates to funders and key stakeholders.

Administration of the research project, this might include:

• Participate in project meeting/coordinate project to meet aims and objectives/liaise with stakeholders (external and internal).
• Monitoring of financial controls associated with the research project. This could include: Monitor and review costings to ensure research project is within budget/research equipment costings.

Other duties and responsibilities specific to the role may include: Advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research programme, contribute to the new General Engineering undergraduate programme, support further funding applications related to nuclear space power applications.Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person SpecificationQualifications/TrainingEssential

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a similar engineering discipline (or be close to the completion of) or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role.

Experience/KnowledgeEssential

• Experimental experience in material manufacture, particularly related to composite ceramic/metallic (CERMET) materials.

Desirable

• Use of non-destructive testing methods to assess composite materials.
• Experience working with vapour deposition methods, particularly CVD.
• Proven track record of publications in quality journals.
• Experience in working with nuclear materials.
• Experience with chemical vapour deposition methods.

Skills/AbilitiesEssential

• Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and area, and the ensuing responsibilities.

Desirable

• Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel.
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills.

GeneralThe University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.We are a member of Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University’s policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) . If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa – .Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University’s Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.

Expected salary

Location

Bangor, Co Down

Job date

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 04:09:51 GMT

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