At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and analyse innovative uranium-containing glasses for nuclear waste management.
- Company: Collaborative research team with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and meal vouchers.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment that values ethical decision-making and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in nuclear sustainability while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: PhD in materials science or related field with strong lab skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 41064 £ per year.
In collaboration with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, this role will involve the fabrication of active vitrified wasteform simulants. After producing uranium‑containing glasses, the successful candidate 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 the 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 the investigators in managing grant finances.
- Initiate necessary materials/equipment purchase requisition.
- As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications:
- PhD (or equivalent) in materials science, chemistry, physics or related discipline.
- Strong practical laboratory skills including thermal treatment (glass making), aqueous phase analysis and solid‑state characterisation techniques.
- Knowledge and experience of radioactive waste immobilisation in glass materials.
- Experience with glassmaking, dissolution experiments, viscosity measurements, DSC, SEM or other solid‑state characterisation methods.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience delivering presentations.
- Experience of working with industry partners on collaborative projects.
- Ability to organise own research work and meet deadlines for deliverables.
- Independent, proactive approach with strong time‑management and decision‑making skills.
Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum (Fixed‑term 9 months, Full‑time).
Benefits:
- 41 days annual leave (including public holidays) with optional purchase.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Meal vouchers and travel discounts.
- Recognition awards for outstanding performance.
- Access to learning and mentoring programmes.
- Family‑friendly policies, including paid parental leave and fertility support.
Additional requirements:
- This role requires a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check.
- It also encourages applicants with disabilities under the University's Disability Confident policy.
- 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.
Research Associate in Nuclear Glass Development and Durability in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
As a leading institution in nuclear research, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive learning and mentoring programmes, alongside generous benefits such as 41 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements. Located near the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, this role not only provides meaningful contributions to sustainability but also encourages ethical decision-making in a supportive and inclusive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Nuclear Glass Development and Durability in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the nuclear materials field, especially those connected to the UK National Nuclear Laboratory. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your lab work, especially any projects related to glass-making or radioactive waste immobilisation. This will give you an edge during interviews and help demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll need to present findings to sponsors, rehearse explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This will not only help in interviews but also in your future role when discussing results with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Nuclear Glass Development and Durability in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Associate in Nuclear Glass Development. Highlight your relevant experience in materials science, glassmaking, and any collaborative projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications—show us how you’ve used them! Talk about specific projects where you’ve demonstrated your practical lab skills and your ability to communicate findings effectively. We love a good story!
Follow the Guidelines:Make sure to follow any application guidelines we’ve set out. This includes formatting your documents correctly and providing all the information we ask for. It shows us that you can follow instructions and pay attention to detail, which is super important in our field.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Glass
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of uranium-containing glasses and their properties. Be ready to discuss the chemical and physical characteristics, as well as the ASTM standard protocols for durability tests. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also understand practical applications.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience in the lab, especially with glassmaking and solid-state characterisation techniques. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully applied these skills, and be ready to explain how you ensured high data quality and reproducibility in your work.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves communicating findings to industrial sponsors, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. You might even want to prepare a mini-presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to engage an audience.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
Demonstrate your time-management skills by discussing how you've organised your research work in the past. Share specific examples of how you met deadlines and coordinated with team members. This will highlight your independent and proactive approach, which is crucial for this role.
