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. The post holder should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in materials or an appropriate physical science. They should have strong practical laboratory skills including thermal treatment (ideally glass making), aqueous phase analysis and solid state characterisation techniques. They will also require knowledge and experience of radioactive waste immobilisation in glass materials. This post would be ideal for a proactive researcher with good time management skills and independent working who can deliver project outcomes on time. They will also require excellent communication skills for liaising with industry partners throughout the project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Manufacture uranium containing glasses of compositions defined by the industrial sponsors UKNNL.
• Characterise these glasses to determine properties including their 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.

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.

Essential Criteria

• A good first degree (or equivalent experience) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or relevant discipline.
• Hold or be close to completion of a PhD (or have equivalent experience) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or other relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of and willingness to work with active material (uranium).
• Knowledge and experience relevant to the project aims, including an understanding of radioactive waste immobilisation in glass materials; dissolution mechanisms of wasteform materials or natural minerals.
• Knowledge and experience to support delivery of the project aims, such as glassmaking, dissolution experiments, viscosity measurements, DSC, SEM or other solid‑state characterisation methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project partners in a collaborative project and experience of working with industry.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and experience of delivering presentations in a clear, interesting, yet concise and understandable manner.
• Potential to develop leadership and management skills appropriate to take on a supporting role within the research group.

Desirable Criteria

• Ability to organise own research work, and meet deadlines for research deliverables.
• Ability to independently develop creative solutions to problems.

Other Details

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Duration: Fixed‑term for 9 months
• Line manager: Senior Lecturer in Nuclear Materials
• Direct reports: N/A
• Baseline personnel security standard: Must undertake a Government BPSS check as a condition of employment.

Benefits

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday 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 (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• 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.

Contact

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Clare Thorpe, Senior Lecturer in Nuclear Materials: claire.thorpe@sheffield.ac.uk.