Research Officer in Atomic Scale Modelling of Alloys

Applications are invited for a fixed-term, full-time Research Officer in Atomic Scale Modelling of Alloys working in the Nuclear Futures Institute within the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering at Bangor University.

The project is part of the EPSRC funded project: Intermetallic Dispersion Strengthened ‘IDS-Steels’ for Generation IV Nuclear – part of the UK-India Civil Nuclear Programme,

Main duties will include supporting research into the modelling of metallic systems using a range of atomic scale simulation methods, linking to thermodynamics and kinetic predictions to accelerate experimental material discovery. An experienced modelling researcher is sought, ideally with the experience or desire to also work with experimental methods.

Candidates should possess a PhD in materials science and engineering, physics or a related chemistry/engineering discipline (or be near to completion of their PhD), have excellent communication skills, a track record in peer reviewed publications and a knowledge of nuclear materials and metallic systems (such as high entropy alloys). The appointee will regularly present to industry sponsors and be expected to aid in the supervision of parallel research projects within the group.  

The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible and the post is available for 18 months in the first instance.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework , there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview. 

Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis. 

Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

Please contact Prof Simon Middleburgh ([email protected] ) with any questions.
Closing date for applications: 30 September 2022

Committed To Equal Opportunities

Overview

Bangor University is involved across a wide range of nuclear power and medicine activities across the UK including with the UK’s Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) programme,  Advanced Fuel Cycle programmes (funded by BEIS) and the UK-India Civil Nuclear Programme (where this project resides) and through these projects Bangor is aiming to be a centre for materials expertise for advanced nuclear applications, including for small-modular reactors (SMRs), high temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs), fusion and space systems within the UK, collaborating with other national and international institutions.

The group is growing world-class nuclear energy expertise in North Wales (supported by the Sêr Cymru programme). The Nuclear Futures Institute (see https://nubu.nu) has expertise in nuclear materials (both modelling and experiment – supported by the uranium active MERLIN and BUFFF facilities), medical isotopes, thermal-hydraulics, reactor design, regulation and fuel performance.

The successful candidate will work closely with this diverse team at Bangor University and the team at the University of Birmingham, growing our expertise and overseeing the nationally important project.

The Project

Bangor University has a strong background in modelling of nuclear systems, particularly nuclear fuels and high entropy alloys. This project is part of the EPSRC funded project: Intermetallic Dispersion Strengthened ‘IDS-Steels’ for Generation IV Nuclear – part of the UK-India Civil Nuclear Programme aims to model alloys on the atomic scale, incorporating new modelling methods to drive forwards our engineering understanding of highly alloyed systems and intermetallic stability. Interface and microstructural effects will be considered as well as radiation effects.

The duties of the successful candidate will be to work with the experimental researchers to enable verification and validation of advanced models. The candidate will be expected to operate as part of a flexible and enthusiastic team, communicate clearly and efficiently with students, other researchers and technicians, and build their own industrially relevant, progressive research momentum.

Purpose of the Job

The post is part of an established team working in the area of nuclear materials and the nuclear fuel cycle. The project involves supporting a UK collaboration on the modelling of precipitation formation and stability in highly alloyed systems and the impact of radiation. The candidate will develop mechanistic models that can be used to design engineering alloys for nuclear applications.

The post holder will be responsible for planning / conducting / analysing and publishing a series of theoretical studies, working with our academic partners, industry sponsors and collaborators, ensuring best-practice and research relevance is maintained.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively support the team in developing new techniques and understanding experimental observations with the targeted use of atomic scale modelling methods; the validation of laboratory models; scheduling and testing research; collecting and analysing data.
• Delivering research outcomes. This will include: contribution to the dissemination of research outputs through relevant scientific technical and public press and conferences; working with partners to disseminate results to industry; write regular updates on progress to the project management group; collaborate with co- researchers and write up the results in scientific articles; write final reports; discussing and sharing results with grant holders.
• Administration of the research project. This will include: participation in project meetings; coordination of project to meeting aims and objectives; liaising with stakeholders (external and internal).
• Other duties and responsibilities specific to the role include: advising and collaborating with Masters and PhD students within the research programme; contribute to the teaching/lecturing programmes; actively participate in specific College activities including outreach; establish collaborative groups (internal or external); gain external funding; project management.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training
Essential

• A PhD in materials science and engineering, physics or a related chemistry/engineering discipline (or be near to completion of their PhD).
• Trained or adept user of C++, Python and/or Fortran.

Desirable

• Project experience developing a mechanistic understanding of nuclear materials processes.

Experience/Knowledge
Essential

• Experience using DFT and other atomic scale modelling programs such as VASP and LAMMPS.
• Understanding of nuclear reactions and the phenomena that dominate nuclear material performance.
• Proven track record of publication in quality journals and conference presentations.

Desirable

• Experience using GEANT4 and/or Serpent modelling software.
• Experience working in a laboratory.

Skills/Abilities
Essential

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data, present results appropriately and ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.

Desirable

• The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh is desirable for this role. If applicants are not able to speak / write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.  

General

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.

We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally. 

We are a member of Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University’s policies, practices, and culture.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. 

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact. 

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.  

All candidates must meet the requirements of UK ‘right to work’ requirements *** If you require Home Office permission to work in the UK, or need to switch your visa status in order to take this job  we recommend you use the following link to information about the routes into employment and to check eligibility requirements:  https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

Please note that we are unable to employ anyone who does not have the right to live and work in the UK legally.   When applying for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will be able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful.

Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme)  from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University’s Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.