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Opportunity - Research Fellow in Nuclear Fuel Cladding Materials (University of Manchester)

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow, co-funded by Rolls-Royce in the area of nuclear materials research.

Funding is available for a Research Fellowship for five years, to develop mechanistic understanding concerning the effects of irradiation on reactor core structural materials. The Research Fellow will engage with ongoing research into the through-life performance of nuclear fuel cladding materials, interlinking with MIDAS research, as well as engaging closely with the industrial sponsor, Rolls-Royce.

The main area of focus will be to determine which effects are the most important in understanding materials deformation, corrosion and structural integrity, and to concentrate effort appropriately in furthering knowledge in this area. Understanding of current alloy systems will also inform work towards identifying future cladding materials. As such, the position has scope for the researcher to mould the research as they see appropriate whilst delivering programme requirements. 

As an academic member of the MIDAS team, as well as the University of Manchester’s Department of Materials, you would be expected to take an active role in the supervision of research. We are a collegiate group, where all researchers take responsibility for the group’s progress and momentum, and well as share in its successes.

Support for establishing your academic career during the Fellowship will include provision of Rolls-Royce-funded PhD studentships, training to develop (for example) grant-writing and leadership skills, mentoring, and extensive opportunities to build links and collaborate with numerous research networks. You will have the opportunity to make a contribution to teaching programmes in the Department of Materials (not in excess of 10 teaching hours per year) at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, primarily in specialist areas allied to the research remit of the post. Underpinning this, your probation period will include undertaking the New Academics programme (NAP), part of a University-wide approach to support new academics and to provide staff with the skills they need to carry out their research and teaching and learning duties at the highest level.

You will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline, and a research track record with clear evidence of high-quality publications. You will be able to present a plan which demonstrates clear potential to build research capability, initiate new research areas complementary to the existing nuclear materials portfolio, and to develop into an international leader in the field.  

You will demonstrate commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity, and contributing to a positive, constructive working environment for all group members. We encourage flexible working and would welcome applications to hold this post on a part-time or full-time basis.

For further details, and to apply, please go to https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=24513