Research Associate in Nuclear Glass Development and Durability in Sheffield

In collaboration with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, this role will include the fabrication of active vitrified wasteform simulants. Following the manufacture of uranium containing glasses, the post holder will analyse their chemical and physical properties including glass transition temperature, viscosity and durability.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Manufacture uranium containing glasses of compositions defined by the industrial sponsors UKNNL.
• Characterise these glasses to determine properties including density, viscosity, glass transition temperature and durability.
• Follow ASTM standard protocols to conduct Soxhlet and PCT‑B durability tests ensuring high data quality and reproducibility.
• Conduct visual inspections of the glasses by light microscope and SEM.
• Communicate findings both verbally and in writing to industrial sponsors UKNNL.
• Ensure timely completion of final and interim project reports.
• Travel to UKNNL facilities (potentially including those in Cumbria) for project meetings if necessary.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborators over work progress.
• Plan and manage dissemination of project results.
• Assist investigators in managing grant finances.
• Initiate necessary materials/equipment purchase requisition.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Qualifications and skills:

• A good first degree (or equivalent experience) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
• Hold or be close to completion of a PhD (or have equivalent experience) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or another relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of and willingness to work with active material (uranium).
• Understanding of radioactive waste immobilisation in glass materials and dissolution mechanisms of wasteform materials or natural minerals.
• Experience with glassmaking, dissolution experiments, viscosity measurements, DSC, SEM or other solid‑state characterisation methods.
• Strong practical laboratory skills including thermal treatment, aqueous phase analysis and solid‑state characterisation techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience of delivering presentations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project partners and experience working with industry.
• Strong time‑management and independent working capability to deliver project outcomes on time.
• Potential to develop leadership and management skills appropriate to take on a supporting role within the research group (desirable).
• Ability to organise own research work and meet deadlines for research deliverables.
• Ability to independently develop creative solutions to problems.

Job details:

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Duration: Fixed‑term for 9 months

Security requirement: This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check.

Equal Opportunities: We welcome job applications from all eligible candidates and encourage those whose past experience may not match all criteria to apply. All applicants receive equal consideration.