Internal Vacancies

The salary range for this position is £43,902 (Grade 4C).

If you have any queries regarding the position itself please contact nnlearlycareers@uknnl.com

Please be aware that all new appointments will be made in-line with the PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions. Therefore, if you are not already on PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions and you are selected and accept this role, there will be changes made to your contractual terms. The terms and conditions of the role will be made clear in the offer letter. 

If you have any queries about the impact of applying for this role on your terms & conditions, pay, pension or benefits, please contact the HR Support Team.

Job Description

UKNNL is where your understanding of reactors fuels the nation. As part of our Fuel Reactor & Reprocessing capability, you’ll play a vital role in developing the UK fuel cycle in line with advances in new technology and new processes. As old reactors reach the end of their lifespan, we need experts like you, with the technical skills to virtually model scenarios that not only enable us to explore new ways of managing the inputs and outputs of reactors, but also pave the way for the implementation of smaller, cleaner revolutionary new reactors. This is a place where you can use your knowledge and expertise to do long term meaningful work for years to come. 

As the national laboratory for nuclear fission in the UK, we are harnessing nuclear science to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. 

UKNNL has a world-class active electron microscope suite, including high-end TEM, FEG-TEM, FIB, PFIB and SEM instruments, supporting both national infrastructure and academic research. The UKNNL Microstructure team provides information on fuel and reactor material performance, supporting the operation of nuclear facilities. 

UKNNL are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to join the Microstructure team as it expands its role in this exciting area of nuclear science. 

To join the UKNNL Post Doctorate programme you will have a PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, minerology or equivalent with hands on experience in FIB-SEM: 

• FIB lift-out techniques
• Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
• Image processing with standard electron microscopy software (e.g. ImageJ/FIJI)

You will have the right to work in the UK and be able to achieve SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).

Main Responsibilities

We are developing the next generation of technical experts. Not only will you receive the opportunity to work on challenging and exciting projects, but you’ll continually learn from skilled and knowledgeable industry experts who are leaders in their field. We will help you become everything you can be, by challenging, stretching, and pushing you to your limits while supporting you every step of the way.

You will support the team’s active microscope operations. This includes the preparation of active samples, characterisation of material using electron microscopes and the production of technical reports for customers. You will also provide input to new project proposals and coordinate work through our laboratories.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Operation of electron microscopes (SEM, TEM, FIB, PFIB) and production of high-quality images and analysis data
• Maintenance of appropriate records and analysis of data
• Production of reports for issue to customers
• Supporting maintenance, commissioning & upgrades of microscopes
• Preparation of active samples for microscope analysis
• Production of work control documentation, including safe system of work packs
• Contributing to commercial proposals for new work
• Supporting the development of new equipment and techniques for measurement and analysis
• Communicating with staff within and across teams
• Building relationships with the industrial and academic customer community

Training and supporting end users UKNNL recognises that academia and industry are very different environments, our Postdoctoral Development Scheme will smooth the transition whilst supporting you as you take your first steps towards becoming a Subject Matter Expert.

Your two-year scheme will provide the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge and skills whilst providing you with an insight into UKNNL’s strategy and direction. You will receive an overview of how the company operates and delivers its projects. 

You will undertake personal development through training aligned to your personal development plan and understand your strengths, weaknesses, and behaviours. You will receive a personal budget to support your development within your field of expertise. 

From day one you’ll have a role in a technical team involved in delivering real customer projects. You will have direct sight of the value that your skills and knowledge have to our industry and by extension our society. The Postdoctoral Development Scheme runs alongside your role, providing you the space and skills to develop in a commercial environment whilst helping you decide how to advance your technical expertise.

Our two-year programme is designed to give you:

• An introduction to UKNNL so you understand where we sit in the wider context of the nuclear industry and how we work
• An introduction to the technical expertise at the core of our business so you understand how your expertise interrelates with our wider technical portfolio
• A clear pathway of technical development
• Commercial awareness of the Business Operations of UKNNL
• Opportunity to network with mid-career professionals and experts
• Mentoring to achieve chartered status with your chosen professional body
• A choice of development activities tailored to you and your career aspirations
• Membership of a cohort of early career professionals to provide support in developing within the company
• The support of a dedicated early careers team and our strong, thriving early careers community.

You will be based at our Central Laboratory, the most modern and advanced facility of its kind in the world. On the doorstep of the Lake District National Park (https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/) our Sellafield site offer you the opportunity to work with incredible people on extraordinary projects whilst enjoying some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes the UK has to offer, providing an excellent quality of life. This role allows for hybrid working with the flexibility to work from home on some of your working days.

As part of the selection process for the Post Doctorate programme you will complete a Technical Interview against the skills and competencies required for this role.