Thermal Waste Treatment Technical Lead

Job Introduction

NNL is working on an expanding portfolio of projects using novel thermal waste treatment processes. The team developing, commissioning and operating these processes must grow to meet customer demand in this strategically important area.

A new position has been created for a waste treatment specialist who would work on various projects as a thermal treatment technical lead.

One core technique is hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to produce ceramic and glass-ceramic wasteforms for, amongst other applications, immobilisation of plutonium containing wastes and residues. Another technical area is the use of vitrification processes (such as joule heated in container vitrification) to thermally treat intermediate and low level wastes. It is anticipated that further rigs will be added to this group, the technical lead will play a key role in establishing and coordinating activities in the NNL Thermal Treatment Demonstration Centre.

NNL is seeking to underpin its technical capability in these emerging areas to support our key customers and their desire to explore and potentially choose thermal treatment as a viable alternative to traditional immobilisation techniques.

Role Responsibility

This is seen as a key role in the successful technical delivery of NNL’s expanding portfolio of thermal treatment projects which requires coordination of technical activity and delivery of significant pieces of work for our customers.

The successful applicant will be involved in leading both wasteform and process development activities. These will range from basic wasteform science aimed at maintaining and enhancing NNL’s technical expertise, to more applied activities focussed on delivering practical thermal waste immobilisation processes for external customers. The applicant will be required to provide technical direction and also work independently. The technical lead will be supported by experienced technical specialists and strategic area leads.

The technical lead will focus primarily on the successful technical delivery of current projects, this will include direction of other technical team members, and working hand in hand with the thermal treatment operations and commissioning teams. There will also be a requirement to work closely with customers and deliver pieces of technical work as and when required.

The Ideal Candidate

Degree in Materials or Chemistry.

Previous experience of thermal treatment processes and how they can be developed for application on nuclear waste.

Desirable Skills/Qualifications:

PhD in Materials or Chemistry.

An appreciation of the key requirements and restrictions of operating novel waste treatment processes in an active environment.

Understanding of core materials characterisation techniques, such as SEM/EDS and XRD.

National Nuclear Laboratory