At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in nuclear engineering and inspire the next generation of innovators.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a modern institution committed to excellence and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 47 days of annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborate with top industry partners like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.
- Why this job: Shape the future of nuclear engineering and make a real impact on the UK's energy sector.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in research or industry leadership with a focus on innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join us in shaping the future of nuclear engineering. The UK nuclear sector is entering a period of transformational growth, with national strategies highlighting a substantial and urgent skills gap in nuclear engineering. At the University of Derby, we are committed to being part of the solution.
We have a clear ambition to build a distinctive, high-impact nuclear engineering research agenda that delivers national and international benefit. Significant investment in senior academic research appointments will strengthen research leadership, build critical mass, and shape future capability across nuclear power generation, product and systems engineering. The emphasis is on applied, industry-aligned research that addresses industry-focused challenges, attracts external funding, and delivers tangible impact for the nuclear sector.
This research agenda is closely integrated with advanced research training and innovation. It builds on established success with Rolls-Royce through the Nuclear Skills Academy, degree apprenticeships, and specialist MSc provision. Research excellence will underpin education, skills development, and workforce innovation, positioning the institution as a trusted leader in nuclear research and innovation. Growing our partnership with BAE Systems, this role will support industry-embedded PhD programmes, collaboration with in-house nuclear training teams, and accredited programmes.
Areas of Specialism
- Advanced Materials, Manufacturing & Prototyping
- Digital Engineering
- Thermal Hydraulics
- Reactor Technology (including SMR)
Your Impact
As a Professor, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s reputation in nuclear research and innovation. You will:
- Provide strategic leadership of research across the School and with key industry partners
- Strengthen and expand external partnerships, securing funding through collaborative research and development initiatives
- Supervise PhD students funded through University and industry partnerships
- Contribute to postgraduate teaching, including expert seminars and dissertation supervision on the MSc in Nuclear Product Engineering for Power Generation
About You
We are seeking established leaders with a recognised track record of excellence. You will demonstrate:
- A strong portfolio of high-quality peer-reviewed publications
- Sustained success in securing external research funding
- The ability to inspire academic teams, influence industry partners, and drive impactful innovation
We also welcome applications from candidates with predominantly industrial backgrounds, where the scope, scale, and impact of achievements clearly demonstrate senior expertise.
Help us power the UK’s net-zero future. This is a rare opportunity to shape the direction of nuclear engineering education and research at a critical moment for the UK energy sector. Join us and be part of a mission with national significance and global reach.
About Us
We have one simple promise to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK, achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 making us one of the top universities in the country, recognised for our outstanding student experience and outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious, we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career, with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
Benefits
In return, we offer:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days, inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Access to the Teachers Pension Scheme
- A suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support, including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and a comprehensive employee assistance programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high-street retailers
- Discounted on-site gym
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button. Closing date: Monday, 29 June 2026. Interview date: Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
This role is employed by the University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd; therefore, in order to undertake this position, an individual must hold security clearance (SC) without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for SC if the individual does not currently have this in place. Due to the nature of work that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets, a person must be a UK national or, in MoD-approved cases, a dual national from a non-ITAR country.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.
Professor of Nuclear Engineering in Derby employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits including 47 days of annual leave, access to the Teachers Pension Scheme, and a commitment to personal growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful research in nuclear engineering. Located in a region known for its innovative spirit, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of the UK energy sector alongside industry leaders like Rolls-Royce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professor of Nuclear Engineering in Derby
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We think you need these skills to ace Professor of Nuclear Engineering in Derby
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How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with University of Derby.
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