Research Fellow (Fusion and Plasma-Facing Components)

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

Fixed Term Contract up to May 2027

Job Summary

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in experimental research and be eager to examine the degradation processes that occur in fusion-relevant conditions. You will be responsible for conducting experiments that measure the changes in material properties due to, but not limited to, plasma exposure, high heat flux, thermo-mechanical loads, elucidating the fundamental mechanisms at play. The findings from this research will directly inform the development of resilient materials critical for centre-column shield design. The position will strongly interface with Tokamak Energy to effectively transfer experimental data to the ongoing shield design activities for a fusion pilot plant.

Main Responsibilities

• Operate within area of specialism: Fusion Energy, Nuclear engineering, fusion/nuclear materials and joints, plasma-facing components, plasma-material interactions, advanced characterization to name a few.
• Deliver cutting edge research in the specified area – fusion- & nuclear materials, fusion energy, plasma-facing components, plasma-material interactions, high heat flux testing, advanced characterization.
• Collect experimental research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews.

Person Specification

• Hold a PhD (or near to completion) in a relevant area: Fusion Energy, Nuclear Materials, Metallurgy, Physics or Engineering.
• The candidate is expected to be experienced in one or more of the following areas: nuclear materials, plasma-facing components, advanced characterization (transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, diffraction techniques including XRD), plasma-material interactions, high heat flux testing, advanced manufacturing of plasma-facing materials.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Arun Bhattacharya: a.bhattacharya.1@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closing Date: 25 May 2025

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