Research Associate OR Research Fellow in Graphite Material Modelling and Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR) Stress Analysis

The post will sit within the NGRG group and in particular will assist and support Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in the area of nuclear graphite structural integrity.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline and have experience of static and dynamic FE methods preferably using ABAQUS, and experience in modelling fracture. Familiarity in using ABAQUS user materials (UMATs) and in programming (Python, Fortran and Matlab) would be an advantage. Excellent communication, time management, and team working skills is essential. Experience of nuclear environments and materials such as graphite would also be beneficial but is not essential.

The applicant would be expected to contribute to the development of FE models of nuclear graphite in particular array and fracture model development; to the development and maintenance of materials property models; to undertake sensitivity studies of stress analysis of graphite bricks using finite element analysis; and fulfil mathematical modelling of multi-component behaviour i.e. the interaction of whole and damaged bricks as the core ages and is subject to various operational transients.

The role will give the applicant the valuable opportunity to work closely with the nuclear industry and the nuclear regulator. The successful applicant will be responsible for communicating the findings to the collaborating parties, the funding body, and peers within the research field via presentations at international conferences, quarterly meetings and reports, and journal publications. The successful applicant will develop a community of contacts within the nuclear industry both in the UK and worldwide. They will also develop a close working relationship with nuclear regulators with respect to current reactor structural integrity issues.

The applicant will join a large vibrant research group and will be expected to contribute to wider academic duties such as masters student supervision, PhD mentoring and contributing to with teaching materials.

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 unfortunately may 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 CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Abbie Jones

Email: abbie.jones@manchester.ac.uk

Name: Miss Michelle Mallon, NGRG Project Officer

Email: michelle.mallon@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

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

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

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