Research Associate in Hydrogen Permeation Testing and Characterisation

Job reference: SAE-029535
Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Materials
Hours Per Week: Full Time
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 20/10/2025
Contract Duration: 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

A 12-month full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available win Prof. Philip Edmondson in the Department of Materials for an ambitious and talented researcher in the field of nuclear fusion science & technology, in the Tritium Science and Technology (TST) research group at the University of Manchester.

The TST group conducts research focused on tritium behaviour in materials, tritium breeding optimisation through design, and tritium separation technologies, among other aspects. This is performed using our state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Manchester, and with our National and International collaborators such as UKAEA. The research group offers a dynamic and growing research environment with opportunities to grow. The successful candidate will make a full contribution to the research group and its members, while further develop their academic career.

Specific roles within this exciting opportunity will centre around supporting the UK community through the design and testing of deuterium permeation experiments in support of the UKAEA’s LIBRTI project (https://ccfe.ukaea.uk/programmes/fusion-futures/librti/). This will include expanding capabilities on UoM’s Gas-Driven Permeation System (GDPS), and testing materials that are candidates for use in future fusion power devices for hydrogen isotope permeation. Opportunities for visits to key collaborators and stakeholders are also available.

Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) in materials science, physics, or related discipline with experience in the design and conduct of experiments. Some experience with fusion related research is also desirable.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof. Philip Edmondson

Email: philip.edmondson@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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