At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team to simulate irradiation damage in fusion materials.
- Company: Be part of the UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials at a leading university.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fusion research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: PhD in computational simulation and expertise in atomic-scale materials.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to join the fusion materials research group of the UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials, Professor Chris Race, in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. The group works closely with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to develop physically-based modelling tools for predicting irradiation damage to materials in fusion reactors. In this role you will develop methods and tools for the prediction of primary irradiation damage in a range of reactor materials. You will have experience of performing atomistic simulations, an interest in developing analytical models, and proficiency in scripting languages for data analysis. You will be a keen communicator, interested in supervising post‑graduate students, and committed to reproducible research practices and open science.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Use classical molecular dynamics to undertake simulations of primary irradiation damage in a variety of materials.
- Develop and deploy novel analysis methods to characterise the emerging patterns of damage and how damage accumulates over time to high doses.
- Create and share tools encapsulating the insight from the simulation and analysis.
- Conduct and disseminate your research in line with best practice in open and reproducible research.
- Collaborate effectively with other researchers in the UK fusion community, including at UKAEA.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments and interact regularly with UKAEA teams to ensure your research addresses the priorities of the fusion programme.
- Assist in the supervision of graduate students (PhD, MSc) and undergraduate project students.
- Write scientific reports and articles for publication, as and when required.
- Make presentations on the research work carried out to the university and national fusion research networks and at other selected scientific meetings.
- Plan and manage your own research activity and administrative duties in collaboration with others.
- Be aware of and manage risks in the work environment and their potential impact on your own work and that of others.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification:
- A first degree (BSc/Eng or MSc) or equivalent, in physics, mathematics, materials science, engineering or a related subject — Essential.
- A Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in the area computational simulation of materials — Essential.
- Expertise in the simulation of materials at the atomic scale — Essential.
- Experience of running simulations in a high-performance computing environment — Essential.
- Expertise in the analysis of simulation data using scripting languages such as MATLAB and/or Python — Essential.
- A commitment to the principles of open science and sharing of research data — Essential.
- Excellent communication skills across a range of media and for a range of audiences — Essential.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of people, including staff and students at all levels, and as part of a team — Essential.
- A demonstrated ability to write or contribute to publications in scientific journals — Essential.
- Proven organisational skills and an ability to work with minimal direction and supervision, planning and prioritising own workload — Essential.
- Experience of simulation of materials for applications in the nuclear industry — Desirable.
- An understanding of degradation mechanisms in nuclear materials — Desirable.
Further Information:
- Grade: Grade 7
- Salary: £38,784
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: 36 months starting 01/08/2026
- Line manager: UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials
- Contact: Prof. Chris Race, UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials
What we offer:
- Minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holidays and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
- Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family‑friendly policies.
- Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
- Access to menopause support in the workplace.
- Paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date: 15/06/2026
Research Associate (Simulation of Irradiation Damage in Fusion Materials) in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
Joining the fusion materials research group at the UKAEA offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research while benefiting from a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to employee development, generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a variety of staff networks, this role not only fosters professional growth but also prioritises well-being and work-life balance. Collaborating with leading experts in the field, you will contribute to meaningful advancements in fusion technology, making this an ideal environment for passionate researchers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Simulation of Irradiation Damage in Fusion Materials) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UKAEA and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your previous simulations and analyses. Bring it along to interviews or share it during networking events to demonstrate your expertise in atomistic simulations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated! Read the latest research papers and attend relevant conferences. This not only boosts your knowledge but also gives you great talking points during interviews, showing your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values open science and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Simulation of Irradiation Damage in Fusion Materials) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with atomistic simulations and scripting languages. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Show Your Passion for Research:In your application, let us know why you’re excited about fusion materials research. Share any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to open science and reproducible research practices. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about their work!
Highlight Communication Skills:Since this role involves supervising students and collaborating with other researchers, make sure to emphasise your communication skills. Whether it’s writing reports or presenting at conferences, we want to see how you can effectively share your research.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Simulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of classical molecular dynamics and atomistic simulations. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your past work, especially any experience in high-performance computing environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical skills to back it up.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your research or explain your methods, so think about how you can make your work accessible to a range of audiences, including those who may not have a technical background.
✨Show Your Passion for Open Science
Demonstrate your commitment to open science and reproducible research practices. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve shared your research data in the past and how you plan to continue doing so. This will resonate well with the interviewers, as they value transparency and collaboration.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration, especially since you'll be working closely with other researchers and supervising students. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated on projects, highlighting your interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team setting.
