Internal Vacancies

The salary range for this position is £43,902 to £47,995 (Grade 4C).

If you have any queries regarding the position itself please contact Neil Rutherford.

Please be aware that all new appointments will be made in-line with the PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions. Therefore, if you are not already on PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions and you are selected and accept this role, there will be changes made to your contractual terms. The terms and conditions of the role will be made clear in the offer letter. 

If you have any queries about the impact of applying for this role on your terms & conditions, pay, pension or benefits, please contact the HR Support Team.

Job Description for Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months):

NNL is where your understanding of reactors fuels the nation. As part of our Fuel Reactor & Reprocessing capability, you’ll play a vital role in developing the UK fuel cycle in line with advances in new technology and new processes. As old reactors reach the end of their lifespan, we need experts like you, with the technical skills to virtually model scenarios that not only enable us to explore new ways of managing the inputs and outputs of reactors, but also pave the way for the implementation of smaller, cleaner revolutionary new reactors. This is a place where you can use your knowledge and expertise to do long term meaningful work for years to come.

We invite applications for a 2-year industrial experimental research position investigating helium within plutonium oxide. Helium is generated during alpha decay of plutonium. How the helium atoms move through the plutonium oxide lattice, become trapped or released from the oxide under different conditions has important applications in the long-term storage and disposal of plutonium oxide, nuclear forensics and plutonium metal corrosion. The successful applicant will work with experts from AWE, Sellafield Ltd and NNL on the novel application of techniques to study this topic, including a particular focus on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) alongside other materials characterisation techniques available within AWE and NNL – including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), powder X-Ray Diffraction (pXRD), and Raman spectroscopy. 

The post is suitable for candidates with a PhD or equivalent level of independent research experience in solid state/material science, physical chemistry, electron microscopy or a similar subject. We understand the unique nature of working with plutonium and, therefore, an interested in the nuclear sector and the ability to adapt your experience and knowledge to new and novel problems is more important that previous experience working with plutonium. 

The role is part of a collaborative project between Sellafield Ltd, AWE and NNL and is being funded by the Alpha Resilience and Capability (ARC) national programme. This programme is a proactive, long-term collaboration between the UK Government, nuclear industry and wider nuclear sector to invest in specialist nuclear skills and expertise. 

The position is a fixed-term two-year contract. The successful candidate will work primarily within NNL Central Laboratory located on the Sellafield site, but with regular visits to AWE research facilities and Sellafield Ltd. The successful candidate will be trained in alpha handling skills, including alpha glovebox operations, and relevant characterisation techniques in NNL’s Central Lab facility. 

In addition to researching helium behaviour in plutonium oxide, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding industry projects on plutonium management across the partner organisation and work alongside industry experts and researchers and develop their contacts across relevant ARC communities. The expectation is that the research findings will be published and presented internationally. 

At the end of the project, the successful candidate will have established themselves as an experienced plutonium researcher with the knowledge and experience to become a highly sought after Subject Matter Expert within the UK nuclear industry. 

This research position requires the candidate to have or be able to gain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance and to pass a full face respirator fit test.

Main Responsibilities for Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months):

• Undertaking the research topic outlined above, with the objective of producing a final report / publication summarising the results of the work and knowledge gaps.
• Close working with member organisations of the ARC programme to develop an understanding of plant process where relevant operational experience is available.
• Support the setup and execution of measurements on alpha active material and / or using radiation sources both within NNL facilities and at other organisations.
• Actively pursue the goals of the programmed both with regards to science output, and to development of capability / transfer of knowledge. 
• Produce accurate records of work carried out in the form of technical reports. Regular presentation to participating organisations and to international groups.
• Development of broader understanding of the relevance and applications of the research within partner organisations.
• Demonstrating high standards with regards to safety, quality and security.

Essential Criteria for Research Scientist (FTC - 24 months):

• PhD (or equivalent industrial research experience) chemist or material scientist, ideally with a background in electron microscopy or solid-state characterisation.
• Ability to work in collaboration with others, developing ideas that have been proposed by others withing the team.
• Demonstrated evidence of applying academically acquired knowledge in practical applications.
• Excellent data-taking/analysis skills, aptitude for experimental work.
• Demonstrated positive attitude to safety, security, and other EHSS&Q requirements.
• A demonstrated enthusiasm for upholding high technical quality standards. 
• Excellent communication and team working skills.
• Ability to pass a full face respirator fit test.
• Willingness to travel between partner organisations.
• Ability to obtain DV level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial, criminal record checks, interview plus 10 years of UK residency).