Senior Technical Specialist (Actinide Solid State Science)

This role provides senior technical leadership in actinide solid state science within the Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE; https://www.awe.co.uk/2026/06/awe-and-the-university-of-manchester-launch-actinides-centre-of-excellence/), a collaboration between the University of Manchester and AWE. ACE is a 5-year research programme across three key theme areas to undertake fundamental research into actinide materials, and has the intention to grow by the inclusion of other national partners and universities.

The postholder will lead the deployment, operation, development, and optimisation of specialist research equipment and processes, particularly glovebox-based systems for handling actinide materials. Working collaboratively with academic, technical and external partners, the role will deliver high-impact research, specialist training and technical innovation, while ensuring safe, compliant and efficient operation of nuclear laboratory facilities. The role contributes to strengthening research capability, supporting growth of ACE activities, and delivering impactful outcomes for the nuclear sector. The role offers the opportunity to lead the technical delivery of research infrastructures and capabilities in actinide solid state science R&D, working in conjunction with the ACE team of academics, PDRAs and PhD students, the meet the following specific aims:

• Lead the deployment, operation, development and optimisation of specialist glovebox systems for handling actinide materials, and associated instrumentation for studying such materials.
• Development and implementation of actinide materials handling procedures to ensure worker safety, preservation of instrumentation and gloveboxes contamination and high-quality technical outputs.
• Provide specialist training and advice for ACE users, particularly when utilising newly acquired and bespoke designed instrumentation.
• Drive continuous improvement of technical services within ACE to strengthen research capability and outputs in nuclear science and engineering.

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

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 recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

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

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Marc Schmidt (Senior Technical Specialist)

Email: marc.schmidt@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@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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