Technical Graduate Material Science - Waste Management & Decommissioning

Job Introduction

NNL is working on an expanding portfolio of projects using novel thermal waste treatment processes. One core technique is hot isostatic pressing to produce ceramic and glass-ceramic waste forms for, amongst other applications, immobilisation of plutonium containing wastes and residues. NNL is seeking to underpin its technical capability in these emerging areas.

Working in world-class facilities, you'll be part of a structured development programme designed to enhance your softer skills, while building on your technical expertise. You will assigned a dedicated mentor, there to guide and coach you to make sure your training is the best possible in your field. What's more, you'll have all the tools and support you need to reach chartered status.

Role Responsibility

The successful applicant will be involved in a both waste form and process development activities. These will range from basic waste form science aimed at maintaining and enhancing NNL’s technical expertise, to more applied activities focussed on delivering practical waste immobilisation processes for external customers. The applicant will be required to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Our roles are highly diverse. So when you join us, you’ll be working with brilliant minds and specialists from around the world. It means more opportunities to broaden your experience or specialise in your field. You could even take your career in a whole new direction.

Innovation, state-of-the-art facilities and world-class teamwork are what we do. And you’ll experience them every day when you join the National Nuclear Laboratory. Working here means powering the UK’s energy future, shaping and changing it too - by supplying pioneering R&D that monitors, safeguards and drives the nuclear world forward. You will play a key role in driving nuclear safety and helping to protect the environment for the future generations to come.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills/Qualifications:

• Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline (2:1 or above).

Desirable Skills/Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Previous experience of hot isostatic pressing of nuclear waste form.
• Understanding of core materials characterisation techniques, such as SEM/EDS and XRD.

You should be self-motivated and used to working in a diverse team of scientists and engineers. Able to use IT to present reports and data, you'll combine good people skills with a strong customer focus and an innovative approach to everything you do.

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.

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory