Materials Scientist (Electron Microscopy Specialist)

Job Introduction

A vacancy for an experienced Electron Microscopy Specialist exists within our Reactor Operations Support Directorate.

The business provides a vital service to operational reactors in the UK and for overseas customers. You will join one of our teams which investigate, analyse and resolve a range of technical issues. You will also be engaging with key stakeholders including customer organisations and universities.

You will examine and study the behaviour of fuel and structural materials used in nuclear power generation. These include zirconium alloys, ferritic and austenitic steels, graphite and ceramics.

The role offers a mix of experimental and desk-based work.

Role Responsibility

• Operation of high specification electron optics equipment (TEM, SEM, FIB) and interpretation of data.
• Provide a materials consultancy/characterisation capability for internal and external customers.
• Deliver work packages from the development of technical scope through to delivery of customer reports.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of NNL materials capability through interaction with key stakeholders, such as customers and academic partners. This includes leading collaborations with external organisations and students.
• Assist in the development of analysis methods and refinement of the experimental apparatus. Includes devising experimental programmes, carrying out investigations, analysing and reporting results.
• Technically supervise and participate in measurements on nuclear fuel samples and associated materials to the required standards.
• Analyse and troubleshoot equipment operability, technical queries and performance issues.
• Develop methods of analysis particular to irradiated materials and/or nuclear applications.
• 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

• Graduate or Postgraduate qualification in Materials Science or relevant level of experience.
• Demonstrable experience in the measurement and analysis of materials performance, such as structure/property relationships, radiation damage, corrosion.
• Experience of, and demonstrable competence in, a range of advanced micro-structural characterisation techniques, such as TEM, FIB, SEM and X-ray microtomography.
• SC Cleared (or ability to become so).
• Excellent communication skills and an enthusiasm to promote NNL’s capabilities.

  Due to the nature of this role, it is only open to UK Nationals.

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