Materials Scientist
Job Introduction
NNL is looking for a high calibre, motivated and experienced scientist to join the Materials and Reactor Chemistry team based in Culham, Oxfordshire. The team is part of the Fuels, Reactors and Reprocessing capability within NNL which delivers commercial R&D to help solve a wide range of challenges in the nuclear industry. The team specialises in developing and applying mechanistic understanding of radiation damage phenomena and radiation chemistry, making wide use of specialist equipment and microstructural techniques both within NNL and in the wider supply chain. The individual will bring relevant expertise but will also have opportunities to develop their own capabilities.
Candidates must have a relevant science degree (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics) and have the ability to: (a) critically interrogate large amounts of technical information relating to a complex problem, and identify the key issues and resources; and (b) solve complex problems in an innovative manner using a combination of experimental data and modelling
Role Responsibility
Working flexibly as part of a specialist team to solve materials and corrosion related challenges to a wide range of UK and international customers.
Deliver on (internal and external) customer projects to time, in budget, and to required environmental, health, safety and quality (EHSS&Q) standards.
Development of models to develop mechanistic understanding of radiation damage phenomena and/or radiation chemistry.
Application of experimental techniques in support of customer work, making use of facilities both within, and external to, NNL.
Authorship, checking and approval of technical documents (calculations notes, technical memos, technical reports and open literature journal articles).
Presenting work performed to customers, and at international conferences, project meetings
Development and maintenance of strong customer delivery links.
Ad-hoc problem solving to resolve day to day technical challenges that emerge.
Engaging with technical experts across NNL, looking to support their work and vice-versa
Assist the Capability Manager in building and maintaining strong collaborative links within the NNL and with partner organisations (including universities, international nuclear laboratories and international nuclear research centres).
The Ideal Candidate
Essential Skills/Qualifications
A directly relevant science degree (e.g. chemistry, materials, mathematics or physics) or an equivalent level of relevant experience.
A proven ability to safely deliver complex R&D projects.
Demonstration of a positive attitude to safety, security and other EHSS&Q requirements.
A pro-active and flexible approach to customer support and project delivery in making sure that requirements and expectations are met or exceeded.
Modelling of microstructural and chemical processes and/or experience using a range of microstructural techniques
A track record of applying academically acquired knowledge in practical applications
Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team environment as well as independently
Proven experience of writing high quality technical reports
Positive attitude to learning and supporting the wider development of the team
Desirable Skills/Qualifications
A PhD in a relevant Science discipline.
A Chartered Scientist or Engineer in a relevant discipline.
A good understanding of the NNL business, its role in the nuclear industry and the challenges it is likely to face in the future.
Computer model development and verification In Facsimile, FORTRAN, C++ and/or Visual Basic
Experience in the areas of radiation damage, microscopy and structure/property relationships.
About the Company
Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.
Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.
Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.
We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials
National Nuclear Laboratory