Research Associate in Molten Salt & Nuclear Graphite Interactions for Next Generation Reactors

This role is part of an ambitious UK/US joint programme, aimed at providing new data to support molten salt reactor deployment through a detailed understanding of the microstructure of nuclear graphite and how this impacts on the graphite – molten salt interaction. Among the six advanced reactors selected by the Generation IV International Forum, the molten salt reactor (MSR) offers unique characteristics that can be tailored for several applications such as generating electric power and process heat, burning actinides and nuclear fuel breeding. As an alternative to conventional coolants such as water or gases, molten salt mixtures are envisaged for removing heat from the reactor core. To circumvent the limitations of solid fuel, fissionable fuel materials can be mixed with the molten salts; these liquid-salt-fuelled reactors can operate under high temperatures and at relatively low pressures offering improved thermal efficiency and a simpler design. The early operating experience gathered from the Aircraft Reactor Experiment (ARE) and Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) attests to the technological viability of liquid-salt-fuelled MSRs. After a hiatus of several decades, new types of MSRs are being designed and developed by the nuclear industry and at national laboratories.

This project will require the use of a range of porosity characterisation techniques including gas adsorption, helium pycnometry and mercury porosimetry alongside imaging techniques (including X-ray imaging and electron microscopy) to conduct comprehensive porosity analysis for nuclear graphite of different grades. The applicant is expected to be an experienced user of at least some of these techniques, although some training will be provided. The project also involves conducting infiltrations of graphite with molten salt.

The postholder will participate in a collaborative project working alongside North Carolina State University (US), University of Michigan (US), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (US) and MSR vendor (terrestrial Energy) and will be expected to travel to the US on occasion.

Interviews to be held on 22^nd or 23^rd April 2026

What will you 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 opportunity 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.talent@manchester.ac.uk

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Abbie Jones / Miss Michelle Mallon

Email: abbie.jones@manchester.ac.uk / michelle.mallon@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

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