The University of Manchester
Rolls-Royce Fellow in Robust Nuclear Fuels
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Job Title
We are seeking an ambitious researcher to take up a five-year fellowship developing next-generation cer-cer and cer-met nuclear fuel materials within the Nuclear Fuels Centre of Excellence at the Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester. The fellowship will focus on the design, manufacture, characterisation and performance assessment of advanced fuel forms relevant to future nuclear systems, with close collaboration with Rolls-Royce. This is an outstanding opportunity to establish an independent research profile in nuclear fuel technology while working in a nationally significant materials research environment. The successful candidate will help build the scientific understanding and experimental capability needed to accelerate the development of resilient, manufacturable and high-performance nuclear fuel materials. The successful candidate will also contribute to teaching within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The University of Manchester, supporting the delivery of relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching in areas aligned with their expertise.
The application for this position requires the submission of a short research proposal. Please find specifics relating to this at the end of the advert, and feel free to contact Joel Turner with any questions related to your application.
The Project
The fellowship will centre on cer-cer and cer-met nuclear fuel concepts, including the relationships between fuel chemistry, microstructure, fabrication route, thermal properties, irradiation response and in-reactor performance. The work is expected to combine experimental materials processing with advanced characterisation, thermophysical testing and modelling-informed interpretation. As part of the application process you will have the opportunity to submit a 2-page research proposal, outlining how you will apply your background and expertise to solve key technical challenges in developing these materials. The fellowship will form part of the wider Development of Robust Nuclear (DoRN) fuel programme, a Rolls-Royce-supported research activity spanning PhD, PDRA and fellowship projects focused on advanced nuclear fuel materials. DoRN provides the strategic framework for developing cer-cer and cer-met fuel concepts, connecting fundamental materials research with industrially relevant questions around manufacturability, performance, regulation and future deployment. The role will make use of the Henry Royce Institute’s specialist nuclear materials capabilities and the broader nuclear fuels expertise at Manchester, including facilities for the synthesis, fabrication and characterisation of uranium-bearing ceramics and related representative fuel materials. The fellowship will also connect with industrial priorities through Rolls-Royce, supporting translation from fundamental materials science towards fuel technologies of strategic importance. As a global leader in power systems, Rolls-Royce is committed to advancing the UK’s nuclear fuel capability. By supporting cutting edge research into the design, manufacture, and analysis of novel, low Technology Readiness Level nuclear fuels, they aim to enhance performance, reduce cost, and shorten lead times, while strengthening national sovereignty and granting greater freedom in reactor design. The exploration of unconventional chemistries, geometries and physics promises to unlock new avenues for thermal performance and reliability, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of nuclear innovation.
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Requirements
You will hold a PhD in materials science, nuclear engineering, chemistry, ceramics, metallurgy, physics or a related discipline, and will bring postdoctoral research associate or equivalent postdoctoral experience in the nuclear materials field. You will have a strong track record in experimental nuclear materials research and a clear ambition to develop as an independent research leader.
You will have direct experience working with nuclear materials, radioactive materials, representative fuel systems or closely related nuclear-relevant materials. Experience in nuclear fuels, ceramic processing, high-temperature materials, powder processing, sintering, active materials handling, thermophysical property measurement, irradiation effects or advanced microstructural characterisation will be particularly valuable.
How To Apply
Applicants should submit a CV, publication list, covering letter and a 2-page research proposal outlining how they would develop a fellowship programme in cer-cer and cer-met nuclear fuel materials. Your research proposal should outline how you will apply your background and expertise to support development of cer-cer and cer-met fuel forms as part of the DoRN programme. You should include self-conducted research topics, as well as potential future PhD projects you would seek funding for from industry partners or elsewhere. Existing PhD topics at Manchester within the DoRN consortium are based on the following topics:
- Manufacture and properties of UO2-zircalloy cer-met fuel form.
- The effects of coatings on the nanufacture and properties of UO2-zircalloy cer-met fuel form.
- Manufacture and properties of cer-cer fuel forms.
- Advanced manufacture of cer-cer and cer-met fuel forms.
- The effects of kernel manufacture route on cer-met material properties.
- Smart fuel certification for cer-met fuel materials.
- Fuel performance modelling of cer-met and cer-cer fuel systems.
- Manufacture and properties of high-density high-conductivity fuel materials based on doped uranium nitride materials.
- The effects of dopants on uranium nitride thermal and mechanical properties.
In addition there are 3 current PDRA positions at Manchester related to DoRN, which cover experimental approaches and modelling approaches to cer-cer and cer-met materials as well as high-density high-conductivity fuel material studies.
Outside of Manchester, PhDs and academic positions are focused on kernel manufacturing routes via internal and external gelation techniques (or otherwise) and understanding the fundamental interaction between uranic compounds and potential matrix materials.
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Security Screening and Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Due to the need to obtain and maintain relevant security clearance this role is open to sole British Nationals only.
What We Offer
- A five-year fellowship designed to support research independence and leadership development.
- Access to world-class nuclear materials facilities and technical support through the Henry Royce Institute and the wider Manchester nuclear research ecosystem.
- Close engagement with Rolls-Royce on strategically important nuclear fuel materials challenges.
- Opportunities to supervise students, develop proposals, build collaborations and publish high-impact research.
- A supportive, inclusive and ambitious research group committed to developing people as well as technology.
What you will get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
Equal Opportunities
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who will broaden the diversity of our research community. The University of Manchester and the Henry Royce Institute are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and where diverse perspectives strengthen research excellence and innovation.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not be able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof. Joel Turner
Email: joel.turner@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
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