Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering (0059-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB

About the University

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 and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student 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.

About the College/Department

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK's Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

School of Engineering and Built Environment

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment. The School is home to research-active academics with backgrounds in architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real-world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies. The discipline area is located in the University's STEM annex in Markeaton Street, where staff offices and lab facilities are co-located. Key investments in the last few years include dedicated intelligent instrumentation and smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, power engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. The discipline area is actively engaged in knowledge exchange projects and has an active applied research agenda.

About the Role

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. The University of Derby has 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-focussed 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, the 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 an Associate 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.

Interview date: Wednesday 29th July 2026. This role is employed by 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 Security Clearance if the individual does not currently already 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.

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.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher's Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Nasser Sherkat, Head of School of Engineering and Built Environment.

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team.

Important Information

In order to meet the Associate Professor criteria, you will need to demonstrate proven achievement against two criteria:

1. Significant achievement in at least one of either Research or Professional Practice or Teaching & learning and must also demonstrate
2. High level of achievement in relation to both Professional Standing and Senior leadership

As well as completing our online application form, please provide the following documentation:

• An up to date current curriculum vitae;
• A supporting covering letter outlining your suitability to the underlying role requirement, and;
• The names of two employment referees (including ideally, the last line manager).

In addition, in order to meet the Associate Professorial criteria, you will need to provide:

• A written statement evidencing how you meet the criteria for the award of the title of Associate Professor;
• Details of two appropriately qualified referees (of at least Associate Professor status) in relation to the Associate Professorial title.

You can upload these documents whilst completing your online application. Further information can be found in the conferment pack. Please note that the details provided in your application may be shared with your referees, by submitting your application you are providing your consent. The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role. 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. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post. To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage. The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Closing Date: 29 Jun 2026

Area: Teaching and Research

Salary: £58,225 to £71,566 per annum