Research Scientist - Radiolysis (FTC 24 Months)

Job Introduction

Job Description for Research Scientist - Radiolysis:

The UK ARC (Alpha Resilience and Capability) Programme is a collaboration between UK Civil and Defence operators and laboratories (Sellafield Ltd, AWE, DSRL, NWS and NNL), the NDA, the ONR and DESNZ with the purpose to sustain and enhance our world leading alpha capabilities and prepare the UK nuclear industry to enact critical national programmes.

A 24-month research associate position, with the objective to investigate the effects of metal/water interfaces on the radiolytic generation of hydrogen.

Background to research topic:
The focus of research during the appointment will be the effect of inter-phase surfaces (such as arise in thin water films on the surface of metallic or oxide solids) on the rate of radiolysis. Such inter-phase surfaces are known to enhance radiolysis due to transfer of energy from the solid surface to the water phase. 

The role is part of the ARC (Alpha Resilience and Capability) national programme, aimed at providing investment to develop specialist nuclear skills. The post would be suitable for individuals with a degree/ advanced degree in a variety of disciplines who are interested in developing technical knowledge in skills in an area of significance for the nuclear sector. Direct experience of the topic area of focus is not required as a key objective of the programme is to develop skills/capability.

The post is a 24-month appointment within NNL with opportunity to work closely, via placements as appropriate, with other organisations within the ARC programme and academic experts at The Dalton Cumbria Facility. This work will include literature research, and performing a gap analysis to identify areas ripe for development. The output from these studies will be used to consider experimental and modelling work required to fill the identified gaps. The successful candidate will engage with operations groups within each organisation in order to obtain information on relevant plant scenarios: such information is important to compare with experimental scale results.

Following the above initial stages, the successful candidate will collaborate with experts from across the nuclear industry and academics at The Dalton Cumbria Facility, to develop models and a detailed experimental plan to address current gaps in knowledge.

NNL and other ARC programme members are involved in a range of active research topics associated with radiolysis. A key objective of the ARC programme is the development of capability including transfer of knowledge to new workers in the field; as such, the successful candidate will benefit from working closely under the guidance of existing experts in related topic areas.

Following the 24-month period, an opportunity will be provided to apply for a role within the programme partner organisations.

The research post is located in Cumbria, with flexibility to move location for the six-month secondment and periods of work in the relevant partner organisations.

Please note your CV may be shared with partners such as: Sellafield, AWE, Dounreay, NWS, NTS, NDA and Dalton Cumbria Facility/Manchester University.

Role Responsibility

Main Responsibilities for Research Scientist - Radiolysis:

• Undertaking the research topic outlined above, with the objective of producing a final report summarising the results of the work and knowledge gaps.
• Close working with member organisations of the ARC programme in order to develop an understanding of plant process where relevant operational experience is available.
• Actively pursue the goals of the programme 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 
• Demonstrating high standards with regards to safety, quality and security.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria for Research Scientist - Radiolysis:

• Degree/Advanced degree in a science-based discipline
• Ability to work in collaboration with others, developing ideas that have been proposed by others within 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.
• Positive attitude to learning/development
• A pro-active and flexible approach to delivery in making sure that requirements and expectations are met.
• 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 Research Scientist - Radiolysis

• Prior experience of topic areas applicable to the research area.

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.

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.

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory