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Deputy Technical Lead and Microscopist

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

The Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) team supports a number of large, long-term projects on behalf of several of NNL’s major customers. The team provides information on the performance of reactor materials supporting the on going operation of the UK Naval fleet, the UK’s AGR stations and a wider customer base. This role is primarily based at Windscale Laboratory, but may also include periods at Workington Laboratory or Central Laboratory.

The role requires the successful candidate to take responsibility for the analysis and reporting of measurements performed on irradiated nuclear fuel in support of reactor safety cases and improvement of reactor operating conditions. The role also requires participation in the development of new experimental techniques, and maintenance of existing techniques for the measurement of physical properties of irradiated fuel and materials. A key part of the role is to act as deputy technical lead, carrying out activities under the supervision of the technical lead to ensure that the technical quality of work is maintained.

Role Responsibility

  • Technically supervise and participate in microscopy measurements on irradiated nuclear fuel samples and other materials, to the required standard.
  • Assist technical lead in the development of new PIE measurement techniques; specifically, development of analysis methods and refinement of the experimental technique. Includes devising experimental programmes, assisting in the production of specifications, carrying out investigations, analysing and reporting results.
  • Assist in the development of new measurement techniques including development of analysis methods and refinement of the experimental apparatus. Includes devising experimental programmes, carrying out investigations, analysing and reporting results.
  • Take responsibility for assuring the quality of measurements made in the laboratory, under the supervision of the Technical Lead for the area.
  • Analyse and troubleshoot equipment operability, technical queries and performance issues.
  • Produce accurate records of work carried out in the form of technical reports.
  • Present results in the open literature where appropriate.
  • Comply with legislative, regulatory and company policy standards and procedures e.g. safety, quality, risk, security etc. applicable to the role.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills/Qualifications

  • Educated to degree level in a nuclear engineering/materials science discipline or relevant level of experience.
  • Relevant experience in PIE or related nuclear industry disciplines.
  • Experience within a technical environment involving the characterisation and inspection of material using microscopy techniques.
  • Experience of technical report writing for external customers.
  • Awareness of experimental design methods.
  • Proven ability to conform to appropriate safe systems of work.
  • Ability to work to a high security standard.
  • SC Cleared (or ability to become so).
  • Under the terms of NNL's Head Contract, this vacancy is open to UK nationals only, who are prepared to undergo clearance to SC level.

Desirable Skills/Qualifications

  • Aptitude for problem solving.
  • Working towards chartered membership of relevant professional institution
  • Previous experience of remote handling techniques would be an advantage.
  • Radiation worker with active area working experience.

About the Company

We play a key role in the UK and global nuclear industry. That means reducing the cost of clean-up and decommissioning, maintaining critical skills and attracting talented new people to the industry. We're the only UK organisation with the skills, facilities and expertise to provide technical support to all aspects of the nuclear industry. What's more, we pride ourselves on offering quality, value and service to every one of our customers.

National Nuclear Laboratory

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