Postdoctoral Research Associate in Space Reactor Fuel Development
Publicerad 2024-07-31
Job Number
BU03620
School/Department
School of Computer Science & Engineering
Grade
7
Contract Duration
12 months
Responsible to
Lecturer
Overview
Bangor University through the Nuclear Futures Institute (NFI) has established a world leading capability in Nuclear Engineering, which is placing north Wales as a global centre, delivering international partnerships and opportunity from a rich mix of existing and new talent. Our expertise relating to space nuclear power is clear, and we are looking for key hires within the team to support the international community accelerate the realisation of nuclear space power and propulsion for space exploration.
The Project
Purpose of the Job
The post is part of an established team working in the area of nuclear space systems. The project involves the development of novel fuels for assessment in space power applications. The research will provide novel routes for fuel manufacture and assessment ensuring the licensing pathway for the fuel is understood, including the use of test reactor irradiations to demonstrate operational properties of the fuel.
The post holder will be responsible for planning, conducting, analysing and publishing a series of experimental studies, liaising with external and internal partners.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Gathering and analysis of data and development of safety related protocols related to novel manufacture methods. This includes:
Mastering novel manufacturing techniques related to nuclear fuels for space. Development of laboratory based quantitative models or techniques. Aiding the procurement of materials and hardware for the programme. Acquiring and maintaining a thorough and up to date knowledge of the scientific literature related to the research aims of the project. Actively support the principal investigator in developing new techniques. Scheduling and testing research. Collecting and analysing data. Delivering research outcomes related to the programme. This could include:
Contribution to the dissemination of research outputs through relevant scientific technical and public press and conferences. Working with partners to disseminate results to industry. Write regular updates on progress to the project management group. Collaborate with co-researchers. Support writing final reports. Discussing and sharing results with grant holders. Support the wider space nuclear programme ongoing within the group. Disseminate and provide regular updates to funders and key stakeholders. Administration of the research project, this might include:
Participate in project meeting/coordinate project to meet aims and objectives/liaise with stakeholders (external and internal). Monitoring of financial controls associated with the research project. This could include: Monitor and review costings to ensure research project is within budget/research equipment costings. Other duties and responsibilities specific to the role may include: Advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research programme, contribute to the new General Engineering undergraduate programme, support further funding applications related to nuclear space power applications.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities. The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or a similar engineering discipline (or be close to the completion of) or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role. Experience/Knowledge
Essential
Experimental experience in material manufacture, particularly related to composite ceramic/metallic (CERMET) materials. Desirable
Use of non-destructive testing methods to assess composite materials. Experience working with vapour deposition methods, particularly CVD. Proven track record of publications in quality journals. Experience in working with nuclear materials. Experience with chemical vapour deposition methods. Skills/Abilities
Essential
Demonstrate good verbal and written skills. Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately. Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines. Demonstrate an understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and area, and the ensuing responsibilities. Desirable
Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel. Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team. Demonstrate interpersonal skills.
General
We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.
All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.
