Research Assistant/Associate in Nuclear Engineering and Reactor Design

Research Assistant/Associate in Nuclear Engineering and Reactor Design

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on the development of advanced fast reactor designs contributing to two international projects funded by UKRI through the EU Horizon scheme. Fast reactors offer significant advantages in terms of economics, safety and flexibility of their fuel cycle. These ongoing projects aim to bring sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) designs closer to commercialisation. The projects bring together multiple research and industry partner organisations across Europe.

The key responsibilities and duties are: (i) to lead the interaction with the project partners in acquiring knowledge of SFR and GFR technologies relevant to this project; (ii) to develop detailed neutronic and thermal hydraulic models for performance assessment of the reactor concepts; (iii) to develop analysis tools for assessment of specific safety features of the considered designs; (iv) to prepare manuscripts and reports; and (v) to undertake a range of project management activities including co-supervision of graduate and undergraduate projects, participating in project meetings, maintaining software and its documentation, maintaining a web site.

The candidate will have obtained (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Nuclear Engineering. Other skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role include expertise in reactor physics and thermal hydraulics of nuclear systems; knowledge of fast reactor and high-temperature reactor technology; experience in developing mathematical, numerical and computational models; the ability to work as part of a team with excellent communication skills.