Fusion Materials Simulation Research Associate in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview: 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 is working closely with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to develop physically‑based modelling tools for the prediction of 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 the use of scripting languages for data analysis. You will be a keen communicator, with an interest in supervising post‑graduate students, and a commitment 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: 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 is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't 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 the application statement when you apply.

Criteria:

Essential:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in the area computational simulation of materials.
• Expertise in the simulation of materials at the atomic scale.
• Experience of running simulations in a high‑performance computing environment.
• Expertise in the analysis of simulation data using scripting languages such as MATLAB and/or Python.
• A commitment to the principles of open science and sharing of research data.
• Excellent communication skills across a range of media and for a range of audiences.
• 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.
• A demonstrated ability to write or contribute to publications in scientific journals.
• Proven organisational skills and an ability to work with minimal direction and supervision, planning and prioritising own workload.
• Experience of simulation of materials for applications in the nuclear industry.

Desirable:

• An understanding of degradation mechanisms in nuclear materials.

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
Direct reports: N/A

Next steps in the recruitment process: It is estimated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 29th June. This will consist of an interview beginning with a short presentation by the candidate. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 22nd June. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact.

Closing Date: 15/06/2026