Research Associate - Precipitation

Contract Duration: 24 months

School / Directorate: Natural Sciences / Chemistry

A Rolls-Royce-sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious scientist to undertake mainly desk-based research in the field of aqueous radiochemistry. The PDRA will be hosted by research groups in the Centre for Radiochemistry Research (CRR) in the Department of Chemistry (DoC) at The University of Manchester, investigating the precipitation of species within a uranium bearing aqueous mixture.

Overall Purpose of the Job
The successful candidate will perform a literature review to study the possible chemical interactions in a uranium bearing aqueous mixture containing a range of fluoride, phosphate and zirconium species of various concentrations. These findings will be summarised in a report that provides the parameters for a limited set of experiments to understand the conditions that can initiate precipitation, and the details of the most likely solid compounds formed. A final report will summarise the findings from the experimental work and information on how to optimise the conditions or modify the contents of the mixture to keep the species in solution, such that it can be subsequently processed by a liquid-liquid separation process.

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD qualification in inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry or a closely related field. Knowledge and experience of radiochemistry/actinide chemistry is highly desirable, including knowledge of the safe handling of radiochemicals. The candidate will perform thermodynamic modelling (e.g. PHREEQC) that can predict solubility limits, and will design experiments. It is anticipated that a limited amount of laboratory work may be performed during the post. The successful candidate will be a highly capable, motivated and independent scientist who has a strong interest in applied research and the nuclear industry. You will be part of a larger research team in the CRR who work on synthesis, measurement and calculations to determine the electronic structures of f-element compounds, and who work closely with the nuclear industry on a range of radiochemical projects. You will be expected to take a leading role in the group including management, administration, and presenting findings to industrial stakeholders. The role will involve monthly meetings with the industrial partner, Rolls-Royce, by a combination of remote and in-person activities. There will be potential to integrate work package and solutions into wider strategic programmes, and to support site visits to Rolls-Royce.

The start date is 1st January 2025, or soon after, and the position is available for up to two years.

Due to the funding conditions this post is only open to UK nationals.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School of Natural Sciences holds a Silver Award, which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit:

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/equality-diversity-inclusion/awards/athena-swan/

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof. David Mills; Dr Alison Weightman

Email: david.mills@manchester.ac.uk; alison.weightman@rolls-royce.com

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Email: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.