PIE Scientist

Job Introduction

Job Description for PIE Scientist:

NNL is where your understanding of reactors fuels the nation. As part of our Fuel Reactor & Reprocessing capability, you’ll play a vital role in developing the UK fuel cycle in line with advances in new technology and new processes. As old reactors reach the end of their lifespan, we need experts like you, with the technical skills to virtually model scenarios that not only enable us to explore new ways of managing the inputs and outputs of reactors, but also pave the way for the implementation of smaller, cleaner revolutionary new reactors. This is a place where you can use your knowledge and expertise to do long term meaningful work for years to come.

To perform analysis and reporting of measurements on irradiated fuel, including assisting with measurements at reactor sites across UK. 

Assist with the development of new experimental techniques, and maintenance of existing techniques for the measurement of basic properties of irradiated nuclear fuel.

A substantial part of the role will be based at Sellafield and Workington, although there may be opportunity for flexibility in location.

Role Responsibility

Main Responsibilities for PIE Scientist:

• Participate in measurements on irradiated fuel and associated materials to the required standard. Noting that a significant portion of measurements may be undertaken at reactor sites, requiring several periods of 1 to 2 weeks working at reactor sites each year.
• Analysis and verification of results to a high quality under the supervision of the Technical Lead for the area.
• Produce accurate records of work carried out in the form of technical reports.
• Assist in the development of new measurement techniques for irradiated fuel, including assisting with creating analysis methods and refinement of the experimental apparatus. Includes carrying-out experimental programmes, performing investigations, and analysing and reporting results.
• Support S&T programme in irradiated fuel characterisation – including both contributing to existing programmes, and involvement in developing new areas of work.
• Work within a wider team to investigate and troubleshoot equipment operability.
• Comply with legislative, regulatory and company policy standards and procedures e.g. safety, quality, risk, security etc. applicable to the role.
• Contribute to maintaining a quality management system.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria for PIE Scientist:

• Educated to at least degree level in a physical sciences (chemistry, physics, material science etc) discipline.
• Aptitude for data analysis and problem solving.
• Excellent data-taking skills and  attention to detail in examining datasets.
• Positive attitude to safety, security and other EHSS&Q requirements.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• Positive attitude to learning/development.
• A pro-active and flexible approach to delivery in making sure that requirements and expectations are met.
• Permitted to view UK eyes only information – this involves being a British citizen as defined in the British Nationality Act 1981 (British Nationality Act 1981 (legislation.gov.uk).  Please note if you hold a dual nationality of which one nationality is British you may still be able to view UK eyes only information it does however depend on your other nationality.
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).

Desirable Criteria for PIE Scientist:

• Prior experience of active-area work.

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

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) where NNL aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Recruitment Agency Notice

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for the provision of recruitment services. Only agencies on our PSL may provide CVs and only when the role is released to them by our recruitment team. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from suppliers not currently on our PSL. We explicitly reserve the right to add candidate details from unsolicited CVs from non-PSL agencies into our own candidate database and to pursue/hire such candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the agency concerned.

National Nuclear Laboratory