Position Details

School of Metallurgy and Materials, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2026

Closing date: 1st May 2025

Background

The University of Birmingham has rapidly increasing research activities in nuclear energy and materials combining the research expertise in both Schools of Metallurgy and Materials and Physics. This post is a key member of a research team to lead a range of research activities in nuclear energy and materials at the University.

We wish to recruit a self-motivated, entrepreneurial and competent experimentalist to generate proof-of-concept data and ideas in the area of tritium breeding for fusion application and broad nuclear research. As such the post holder will have the opportunity to collaborate with other active researchers in both schools and also in other partner universities and organisations.

The successful applicant will have direct access to a range of facilities available in the research group and beyond, including advanced electron microscopes and a number of unique degradation testing equipment dedicated for nuclear materials.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
Operate within area of specialism: nuclear irradiation damage, neutronics modelling, physical metallurgy, mechanical testing and instrumentation (see person specification)
Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Contribute to generating funding
Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
Contribute to writing bids for research funding
Analyse and interpret data
Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
Undertake management/administration arising from research
Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Hold a PhD (or near to completion) in an area relevant to Metallurgy, Physics or Engineering
The candidate is expected to be experienced in one or more of the following areas: nuclear irradiation damage (e.g. using light ions or neutron); neutronics modelling (e.g. using MCNP) ; physical metallurgy (e.g. microstructural characterisation of metals); mechanical testing (e.g. creep); instrumentation (e.g. installation and commission of new equipment)
High level analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Prof Yu-Lung Chiu, email: y.chiu@bham.ac.uk , or telephone 0121 4145190

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .

University of Birmingham

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