At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct simulations of irradiation damage in fusion materials and develop analytical models.
- Company: Join a leading research group at the forefront of fusion materials science.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and discounts on shopping and travel.
- Other info: Diverse community with excellent career development and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fusion research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in computational simulation, expertise in atomic-scale materials, and strong communication skills.
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 used 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 should have experience performing atomistic simulations, an interest in developing analytical models, and proficiency in using scripting languages for data analysis. You will be a keen communicator, interested in supervising postgraduate 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 emerging patterns of damage and how damage accumulates over time to high doses.
- Create and share tools that encapsulate the insight from the simulation and analysis.
- Conduct and disseminate 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 so that your research addresses programme priorities.
- Assist in the supervision of graduate students (PhD, MSc) and undergraduate project students.
- Write scientific reports and articles for publication.
- Make presentations on the research work at the university, national fusion research networks and 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:
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in your application statement.
Criteria:
- Essential: 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 computational simulation of materials.
- Essential: Expertise in simulating materials at the atomic scale.
- Essential: Experience running simulations in a high‑performance computing environment.
- Essential: Expertise in analysing simulation data using scripting languages such as MATLAB and/or Python.
- Essential: 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 with a wide range of people, including staff and students at all levels, and as part of a team.
- Essential: Demonstrated ability to write or contribute to publications in scientific journals.
- Essential: Proven organisational skills and an ability to work with minimal direction, planning and prioritising own workload.
- Desirable: Experience of simulation of materials for applications in the nuclear industry.
- Desirable: Understanding of degradation mechanisms in nuclear materials.
Benefits:
- A 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.
- Staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
- Commitment to development with access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with 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.
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
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 (Simulation of Irradiation Damage in Fusion Materials) in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
Join a leading research group at the forefront of fusion materials science, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work alongside the UKAEA. Our inclusive and supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering extensive professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package that includes 41 days of annual leave and family-friendly policies. With a commitment to open science and collaboration, this role not only allows you to advance your career but also to make a meaningful impact in the field of nuclear materials research.
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 professionals in the fusion materials field, especially those connected to UKAEA. Attend conferences and workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your atomistic simulations and any analytical models you've developed. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your research and how it aligns with the goals of the fusion materials group. A confident presentation can make a lasting impression during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
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 application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves a lot of research, be sure to emphasise your experience in atomistic simulations and data analysis. Mention any relevant projects or publications to back up your claims.
Communicate Clearly:We value excellent communication skills, so make your application easy to read and engaging. Avoid jargon where possible and ensure your passion for the field shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Simulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of classical molecular dynamics and atomistic simulations. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of understanding and practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with scripting languages like MATLAB or Python. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've used these tools for data analysis in your previous work. This will highlight your technical skills and your ability to derive insights from complex data.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice explaining your research in simple terms. Think about how you would present your findings to different audiences, including those who may not have a technical background. This will showcase your versatility as a communicator.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams, especially in collaborative research settings. Highlight any instances where you’ve successfully supervised students or worked alongside other researchers, as this aligns with the role's responsibilities and shows you’re a team player.
