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- Tasks: Advance nuclear materials research and collaborate on innovative projects with global partners.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in fusion energy research with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of fusion energy and materials science.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials science and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with exciting projects and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43702 - 43702 £ per year.
The salary for this role is £43,702 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role can be based at any of the following sites: Culham, Oxfordshire.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
The Role: As a Materials Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in advancing nuclear materials research across a diverse and collaborative division spanning experimental, modelling, and materials development capabilities. You will design and deliver experimental and/or multiscale modelling studies ranging from irradiation damage characterisation to materials-plasma interactions, work closely with academic, industrial, and international partners, and communicate your findings through reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
Working across the Materials Research Facility (MRF), Fusion Materials Interaction (FMI), and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) teams, you will contribute to activities such as:
- Microstructural, thermophysical, and mechanical characterisation
- Development of new experimental techniques and diagnostics
- Application of methods including density functional theory and FEM
- Design and assessment of advanced materials (e.g. metals, ceramic composites, coatings, and interfaces) under irradiation and complex service conditions
You will also support project planning and funding applications, helping to shape innovative research that underpins the future of fusion energy. The position is based within the MSE team, specifically within the NEURONE steels development programme. The role focuses on the microstructural characterisation of novel fusion steels using optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. This work will develop understanding of how microstructure evolves under radiation damage, including helium flux, and how features such as precipitates can mitigate degradation. Collaboration with the UKFE Materials team to develop and assess materials for the STEP fusion device will also form part of the role.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Contribute to UKAEA research programmes on fusion materials by organising and coordinating short- and long-term projects, including specimen/data procurement, scope definition, funding, and resources for preparation, testing, and modelling.
- Deliver high-quality, innovative research and engineering in nuclear materials through independent and creative input.
- Analyse, compile, and present results via technical reports, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Collaborate with external partners (universities, public research organisations, and industry) to complement UKAEA's internal capabilities.
- Support the development and strengthening of UKAEA's knowledge base, design rules, and best practices in materials and nuclear physics R&D.
- Contribute to and help deliver strategically aligned projects (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion, EPSRC, and student/graduate programmes).
- Propose, secure funding for, and deliver innovative projects aligned with organisational strategy.
Materials Scientist in Abingdon employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
Contact Detail:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Scientist in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the materials science field on LinkedIn or at conferences. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your knowledge about nuclear materials research. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it’s through a portfolio or presentations, we want to see your hands-on experience and innovative ideas. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your skills in microstructural characterisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Scientist in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Materials Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in areas like microstructural characterisation and materials development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about nuclear materials research. Share specific examples of your past work and how it aligns with our projects, like the NEURONE steels development programme.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working with various partners, emphasise your teamwork and collaboration experiences. Mention any projects where you’ve successfully worked with academic or industrial partners.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Materials
Brush up on your knowledge of materials science, especially in relation to nuclear materials. Be prepared to discuss specific materials, their properties, and how they behave under different conditions, such as irradiation. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous research experiences, particularly any projects involving microstructural characterisation or advanced materials. Highlight your ability to design experiments and analyse data, as well as any collaborative work with academic or industrial partners.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Familiarise yourself with the NEURONE steels development programme and its significance in fusion energy research. Be ready to discuss how your contributions could shape innovative research and support project planning, funding applications, and collaboration with external partners.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Since you'll need to present findings through reports and conferences, demonstrating strong communication skills during the interview will be crucial. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase this skill.