Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months)

Job Introduction

Job Description for Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months):

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.

We invite applications for a 2-year industrial experimental research position investigating helium within plutonium oxide. Helium is generated during alpha decay of plutonium. How the helium atoms move through the plutonium oxide lattice, become trapped or released from the oxide under different conditions has important applications in the long-term storage and disposal of plutonium oxide, nuclear forensics and plutonium metal corrosion. The successful applicant will work with experts from AWE, Sellafield Ltd and NNL on the novel application of techniques to study this topic, including a particular focus on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) alongside other materials characterisation techniques available within AWE and NNL – including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), powder X-Ray Diffraction (pXRD), and Raman spectroscopy. 

The post is suitable for candidates with a PhD or equivalent level of independent research experience in solid state/material science, physical chemistry, electron microscopy or a similar subject. We understand the unique nature of working with plutonium and, therefore, an interested in the nuclear sector and the ability to adapt your experience and knowledge to new and novel problems is more important that previous experience working with plutonium. 

The role is part of a collaborative project between Sellafield Ltd, AWE and NNL and is being funded by the Alpha Resilience and Capability (ARC) national programme. This programme is a proactive, long-term collaboration between the UK Government, nuclear industry and wider nuclear sector to invest in specialist nuclear skills and expertise. 

The position is a fixed-term two-year contract. The successful candidate will work primarily within NNL Central Laboratory located on the Sellafield site, but with regular visits to AWE research facilities and Sellafield Ltd. The successful candidate will be trained in alpha handling skills, including alpha glovebox operations, and relevant characterisation techniques in NNL’s Central Lab facility. 

In addition to researching helium behaviour in plutonium oxide, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding industry projects on plutonium management across the partner organisation and work alongside industry experts and researchers and develop their contacts across relevant ARC communities. The expectation is that the research findings will be published and presented internationally. 

At the end of the project, the successful candidate will have established themselves as an experienced plutonium researcher with the knowledge and experience to become a highly sought after Subject Matter Expert within the UK nuclear industry. 

This research position requires the candidate to have or be able to gain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance and to pass a full face respirator fit test.

Main Responsibilities for Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months):

• Undertaking the research topic outlined above, with the objective of producing a final report / publication summarising the results of the work and knowledge gaps.
• Close working with member organisations of the ARC programme to develop an understanding of plant process where relevant operational experience is available.
• Support the setup and execution of measurements on alpha active material and / or using radiation sources both within NNL facilities and at other organisations.
• Actively pursue the goals of the programmed both with regards to science output, and to development of capability / transfer of knowledge. 
• Produce accurate records of work carried out in the form of technical reports. Regular presentation to participating organisations and to international groups.
• Development of broader understanding of the relevance and applications of the research within partner organisations.
• Demonstrating high standards with regards to safety, quality and security.

Essential Criteria for Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months):

• PhD (or equivalent industrial research experience) chemist or material scientist, ideally with a background in electron microscopy or solid-state characterisation.
• Ability to work in collaboration with others, developing ideas that have been proposed by others withing the team.
• Demonstrated evidence of applying academically acquired knowledge in practical applications.
• Excellent data-taking/analysis skills, aptitude for experimental work.
• Demonstrated positive attitude to safety, security, and other EHSS&Q requirements.
• A demonstrated enthusiasm for upholding high technical quality standards. 
• Excellent communication and team working skills.
• Ability to pass a full face respirator fit test.
• Willingness to travel between partner organisations.
• Ability to obtain DV level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial, criminal record checks, interview plus 10 years of UK residency).

Why join us?

NNL isn’t just a place where you can do career-defining work that makes a real-world impact. It’s also a place where you’ll feel appreciated and valued. We’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is free to be themselves and feel like they belong. We put your wellbeing first, we push you to reach your potential, and we do everything possible to help you feel safe, supported and inspired.

We also offer a range of employee benefits:

• Sector leading Family-Focused Policies: celebrate life events, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and a week off for your marriage.
• NNL offers attractive pension plans. If you contribute 5%, NNL contributes 15%. Alternatively, if you choose not to contribute (0%), NNL will still contribute 10%.
• Annual Leave: Benefit from 25.5 days of leave, plus 4 extra days to be taken during Christmas shutdown, plus Bank Holidays.
• Reduced gym membership with discounts of up to 25% from 3,700 gym and leisure providers across the UK
• Company Bonus: Be rewarded for your contributions.
• Learning Opportunities: Enhance your skills through excellent development programmes.
• Employee Assistance: Access support for personal and professional challenges.
• Cycle to Work: Stay active and eco-friendly.
• Life Assurance: Ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Enhanced Sick Pay Benefits: Receive support during illness or injury.
• Access to ‘Mydiscounts’ which has a range of special offers and discounts from more than 200 suppliers, including medical insurance and dental insurance. 
• Health Care: Health savings plan which allows you to claim money back on visits to the dentist, optician and/or physiotherapist (limits apply).

About The Company

NNL is an incredible place to work. A place where people do things that have never been done before. A place where people push boundaries to further themselves, the business and society as a whole.

This is a place where personal and professional opportunities are limitless. If you want to change the world, if you want to tackle climate change, if you want to help advance medical science, if you want to help put things in space, if you want to answer the big questions, if you want to work with extraordinary materials, if you want to meet great people, learn new skills, challenge yourself, work flexibly, and build a long successful career with the power to make a real impact… you can do it all here.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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