A unique and exciting opportunity exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to work on the ERC URÅNIA: Unique Research Asset for Nuclear Innovative Applications.

The main aim of this post is to reveal the precursors acting across the previously unseen incubation stage of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) initiation by using advanced microscopy and a breakthrough methodology and contribute to the effective demonstration of the URÅNIA scope in strong synergy with all partners under the guidance of the PI.

The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK. This is a full-time post but we are open to consider part time requests.

The key responsibilities and duties are:

• conduct and drive the highly challenging ERC URÅNIA research project objectives in strong synergy with all partners under the guidance of the PI
• contribute to research discussions and technical development of the project objectives and foster other team members technical and personal development
• assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of this research according to the ERC methodology
• write up research papers at high standard for presentation and publication
• present the outcomes of this research at national and international conferences
• assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, and/or identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:

• Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Nuclear Materials, Materials Science, Energy/Materials Engineering, Chemistry or a related area
• Essential: demonstrable experience in spectroscopy and microscopy, major asset is being proficient and skilled in Cryo - Focussed Ion Beam (FIB) & Atom Probe Tomography (APT)
• Excellent technical skills and accurate experimental mindset with a passion for frontier-science
• Desirable: demonstrable experience in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), micromechanical testing (tensile testing), electrochemistry
• Essential: relevant publications in microscopy/materials science. Candidates should have experience in the following areas: metallurgy/ceramics, major asset is being trained in nuclear
• A minimum of three strong scholarly journal publications with proven evidence or primary responsibility and contribution. Awards (e.g. Best Paper and/or Best Oral Presentation)
• Excellent writing and presentation skills; demonstrated ability to work with other researchers

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD or be close to obtaining a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: GBP 33,002 - GBP 35,608; Research Associate: GBP 37,694 - GBP 46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.