Research Associate-Materials Science/ Oxidation Specialist

Job reference: SAE-028113

Salary: £36,924 per annum

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Manchester

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Materials

Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 11/03/2025

Contract Duration: 4 months

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Historical evidence of the performance of structural materials exposed to high-temperature helium environments has shown that traces of impurities, namely hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor, could potentially alter the alloys' performance.

The aim of this work is to develop an experimental setup for conducting oxidation tests on materials in a controlled helium atmosphere while maintaining control over impurities such as moisture. The primary purpose is to explore potential issues that structural materials used in Very High-Temperature Reactors (VHTRs) might face, including internal oxidation and decarburization. This project also involves modifying the experimental setup previously employed by the University of Manchester to simulate the AGR environment (CO2/CO gas mixture) for studying materials performance. This work will serve as a stepping stone for EDF Energy, the customer of this work, to explore more comprehensive and detailed collaborative projects in the future.

The project will first create the experimental setup and then study the interaction between helium coolant in HTGR and the creep-fatigue initiation and cracking behavior of stainless steel and Alloy 800H, key degradation mechanisms.

After setting up the experimental capability to test HTGR conditions by modifying the AGR setup, the candidate will conduct a parametric study on the impact of helium environment and impurities (e.g., moisture) interactions on 316 stainless steel and Alloy 800H, providing mechanistic insights. The research will involve oxidation studies, mechanical testing, and the detection and growth rates of cracks under in-situ conditions. Structural integrity and material evaluation of tested components will follow, utilizing SEM and grazing-angle XRD for characterization of oxidized samples, as well as EPMA and micro-indentation to evaluate the potential effect of decarburization.

The successful candidate must hold (or be about to complete) a PhD in materials science. The successful applicant will conduct mechanical and microstructural examinations to generate experimental data for predictive modeling within the consortium. Expertise in microstructural and materials characterization is essential. Strong communication and organizational skills are required for independent work and collaboration within the research team.

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 support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, 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 note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

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

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof Fabio Scenini

Email: fabio.scenini@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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