Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering

About the role Join us in shaping the future of Nuclear Engineering

The UK nuclear sector is entering a period of transformational growth, with national strategies highlighting a substantial and urgent skills gap in nuclear engineering. At the University of Derby, we are committed to being part of the solution.

The University of Derby has a clear ambition to build a distinctive, high‑impact nuclear engineering research agenda that delivers national and international benefit. Significant investment in senior academic research appointments will strengthen research leadership, build critical mass, and shape future capability across nuclear power generation, product and systems engineering. The emphasis is on applied, industry-aligned research that addresses industry‑focused challenges, attracts external funding, and delivers tangible impact for the nuclear sector.

This research agenda is closely integrated with advanced research training and innovation. It builds on established success with Rolls‑Royce through the Nuclear Skills Academy, degree apprenticeships, and specialist MSc provision. Research excellence will underpin education, skills development, and workforce innovation, positioning the institution as a trusted leader in nuclear research and innovation. Growing our partnership with BAE Systems, the role will support industry‑embedded PhD programmes, collaboration with in‑house nuclear training teams, and accredited programmes.

• Advanced Materials, Manufacturing & Prototyping
• Digital Engineering
• Thermal Hydraulics
• Reactor Technology (including SMR)

• Provide strategic leadership of research across the School and with key industry partners.
• Strengthen and expand external partnerships, securing funding through collaborative research and development initiatives.
• Supervise PhD students funded through University and industry partnerships.
• Contribute to postgraduate teaching, including expert seminars and dissertation supervision on the MSc in Nuclear Product Engineering for Power Generation.

Interview date:
Wednesday 29th July 2026

We are seeking established leaders with a recognised track record of excellence. You will demonstrate:

• A strong portfolio of high‑quality peer‑reviewed publications.
• Sustained success in securing external research funding.
• The ability to inspire academic teams, influence industry partners, and drive impactful innovation.

We also welcome applications from candidates with predominantly industrial backgrounds, where the scope, scale, and impact of achievements clearly demonstrate senior expertise.

Help us power the UK’s Net Zero future – this is a rare opportunity to shape the direction of nuclear engineering education and research at a critical moment for the UK energy sector. Join us and be part of a mission with national significance and global reach.

• In collaboration with other senior academics, participate in the development and management of the research and innovation strategy for the College.
• Identify and grow research projects to be carried out individually or collaboratively with colleagues across the University, working in collaboration with public, commercial and international partners as appropriate.
• Procure grants and develop income generation and bidding activities to strengthen the profile of the College and the University.
• Collaborate with, and support staff in the College to build capacity for income generation and bidding activity.
• Teach and contribute to teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level in such a way that knowledge acquired from research translates to teaching.
• Provide high quality undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.
• Participate in the creation of networks and opportunities for early career researchers, research colleagues, associates and students, advising them on sources of funding, providing expert advice on their projects and contributing to the development of their careers.
• Undertake activity to build external esteem such as the publication of research in high quality publications, presentations at conferences or editing journals that will make a contribution…