Research Scientist/Engineer

Job Introduction

Role:  The role will support the laboratory’s work on the management of irradiated fuel between its discharge from reactor to disposal in a geological repository. The role sits within the NNL’s Radiochemistry Team, which is responsible for delivering a range of customer funded and Internal Research and Development projects, and will be based at the Central Laboratory.

The role will require you to undertake a range of activities related to understanding the behaviour of irradiated fuel and providing advice on the future management and disposal of irradiated fuel from nuclear reactors. This will include desk-based assessments, equipment development and practical examination and testing work in non-radioactive laboratories and in shielded R&D facilities. As part of the role you will be expected to interface with a wide range of people in other NNL teams and UK universities. Travel to customer or supplier sites may be required. Opportunities for wider engagement in international research will become available to candidates that demonstrate appropriate mastery of relevant topic areas.

Attributes:  Good communication skills, ability to work well in multi-disciplinary teams, self-motivated and pro-active in approach are required.

Role Responsibility

• Carry out designated work packages to meet standards of safety, cost, quality and time.
• Provision of specified technical/analytical services to customers agreed standards and timescales.
• Provide advice and guidance on issues in his/her own working area.
• Identify new opportunities for innovation, technology development and/or customer service in his/her own area of work.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with laid down procedures.
• Record all test results, calculations and observations and check their validity.
• Where appropriate, assist in the training and development of others to appropriate standards.
• To contribute to the improvement of safe environment/good housekeeping of the working area particularly in their own area of responsibility.
• Where appropriate, assist in the training and development of others to appropriate standards.
• Complies with all legislative, regulatory and company policy standards and procedures e.g. safety, quality, risk, security etc. applicable to the role.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• A degree in materials science, physical science or engineering or an HND with demonstrable experience in a laboratory environment.
• Enhanced security clearance (at least SC) or a willingness to undertake further security clearance.
• A proven aptitude for problem solving.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• The ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Good IT skills.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Knowledge of the nuclear industry.
• Experience of handling nuclear and radioactive materials.

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