Job Description
Position Details
School of Metallurgy and Materials
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027
Closing date: 19th January 2025
Background
The University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking design, commissioning and use of advanced, dedicated sample environments to ion irradiate nuclear fusion-related materials using accelerator sources, under the supervision of Prof. Enrique Jimenez-Melero, UKAEA Joint Chair in Materials for Fusion. Our fusion materials research group focuses on developing new mechanistic understanding of radiation effects in structural materials for fusion power plants, and to link those effects to the material's mechanical performance and environmental degradation processes under fusion plant service conditions.
The post holder will work on the NEURONE2024+ project funded by the UK Fusion Futures programme and led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The aim of the NEURONE programme is to develop and deliver an industrially scalable fusion-grade advanced steel capable of operating at 650°C in a fusion breeder-blanket environment. They will be working directly within the irradiation work package of NEURONE2024+, linking with other work packages related to steel design and manufacture, and also to mechanical testing, with the unique contribution of our work to assessing irradiation effects in those novel steel grades and the radiation impact on material's mechanical performance.
Role Summary
* Work within specified research grant: NEURONE (NEUtron iRradiatiOns of advaNced stEels) multi-partner project led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority
* Operate within area of specialism (i.e. design, commissioning and use of advanced, dedicated sample environments to ion irradiate nuclear fusion-related materials using accelerator sources)
* Analyse and interpret research findings and results, and present those at regular progress meetings of the NEURONE consortium, and at relevant scientific conferences related to accelerator science and/or fusion materials research
* Contribute to writing grant proposals and generating funding
* Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success and/or public understanding of the nuclear fusion energy and technologies
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
* Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
* Design, construction and commissioning of advanced, dedicated sample environments to irradiate fusion-grade steels using intense ion beams
* Develop protocols and safe systems of work to irradiate fusion steels at variable ion energies
* Simulate and measure by gamma spectroscopy, the isotope generation by nuclear reactions between the ion beam and the constituents of the steel
* Design of specimen test geometries to ion irradiate materials for further post-irradiation analysis or testing
* Characterization by analytical electron microscopy and post-irradiation testing of irradiated materials
* Liaise with other facilities and groups at national and international level involved in irradiation campaigns of nuclear materials
* Disseminate the results at progress meeting of the NEURONE consortium and at relevant scientific events, and also in the form of scientific publications
* Contribute to writing bids for research funding
* Analyse and interpret data
* Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
* Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
* Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students
* Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
* Undertake management/administration arising from research
* Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
* Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities
* Collect research data through a variety of research methods
* Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications
* Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
* Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
* Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area or equivalent qualifications
* Awareness of the basics of fusion energy generation and related challenges in structural materials
* Expertise in designing and commissioning scientific equipment
* Use of advanced characterization tools to assess radiation damage in metallic materials
* Experience in mechanical testing of materials
* Familiarization with the principles of radiation protection
* High level analytical capability
* Ability to communicate complex information clearly
* Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods
* Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
* Understanding of broader management/administration processes
* Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010
* Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of people
* Ability to work independently and pro-actively with minimal direction
* A commitment to safe working practices
Informal enquiries to Prof. Enrique Jimenez-Melero, email: e.jimenez-melero@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
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