Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering

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

We welcome applications from accomplished research or industry leaders in any of the following areas:

• 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.

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.

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: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_country_landing