Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to August 2027

Background

The University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to contribute to the creation of knowledge, in terms of chemistry and welding impact on the radiation tolerance and mechanics of fusion-grade ODS steels, by combining ion irradiation experiments at reactor-relevant temperatures with an in-depth microstructural characterization and mechanical testing of the irradiated materials. This work will be under the supervision of Prof. Enrique Jimenez-Melero, UKAEA Joint Chair in Materials for Fusion (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/metallurgy/jimenez-melero-enrique), whose fusion materials research group focusses on developing new mechanistic understanding of radiation effects in structural materials for fusion power plants, and to link those effects to the material’s mechanical performance and environmental degradation processes under fusion plant service conditions. This new experimental knowledge is used as key input in model validation and materials qualification, and also fed back to material selection campaigns, manufacture and joining.

Main Duties

• Design and perform targeted irradiation experiments of fusion-grade ODS steels using intense ion beams of low and medium energies produced by linear accelerator and cyclotron sources
• Measure by gamma spectroscopy, the isotope generation by nuclear reactions between the ion beam and the constituents of the ODS steel, and predict potential sample activations
• Characterize by analytical electron microscopy, and if needed also by small-angle neutron scattering, and post-irradiation mechanical testing of irradiated ODS steels and welds, including those that may have become radio-active as a consequence of ion irradiation
• Liaise with other facilities and groups at national and international level involved in (ion or neutron) irradiation campaigns of nuclear (metallic) materials

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Disseminate the results at progress meetings of the Materials Business Unit at UKAEA and at relevant scientific events, and also in the form of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals of high impact in the field

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area or equivalent qualifications, or to be close to completion
• Awareness of the basics of fusion energy generation, emerging technologies and related challenges in structural materials for fusion environments
• Knowledge of physical metallurgy of steels
• Awareness of welding processes for metallic materials
• Expertise in using radiation sources to irradiate nuclear materials in simulated reactor conditions
• Use of advanced characterization tools to assess radiation damage in metallic materials, esp. analytical electron microscopy
• Experience in mechanical testing of materials, and knowledge of mechanical behaviour of metallic materials
• Familiarization with the principles of radiation protection, and the handling and use of radiation sources for research purposes incl. activated materials
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Prof. Enrique Jimenez-Melero, email: e.jimenez-melero@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.

Closes: 26/01/2025

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