Irradiated Fuel Characterisation Scientist

Job Description for Irradiated Fuel Characterisation Scientist:

UKNNL is where your understanding of reactors fuels the nation. As part of our Fuel Reactor & Reprocessing capability, you’ll play a vital role in developing the UK fuel cycle in line with advances in new technology and new processes. As old reactors reach the end of their lifespan, we need experts like you, with the technical skills to virtually model scenarios that not only enable us to explore new ways of managing the inputs and outputs of reactors, but also pave the way for the implementation of smaller, cleaner revolutionary new reactors.

This is a place where you can use your knowledge and expertise to do long term meaningful work for years to come.

The roles sit within two of UKNNL’s Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) teams; the Defence Materials and Hot Cell Characterisation teams which comprise of technical experts and specialists responsible for leading and developing the post irradiation examination of nuclear fuel. This area has a growing workload associated with current programmes, developing work streams (spent fuel evaluation in support of nationally important programmes) and emerging requirements supporting development of new nuclear reactor technologies.

It supports the safe and efficient operation of reactors and provides the technical underpinning for long term management and disposal of irradiated fuel.

The role holders will support this area by collecting and analysing data generated from irradiated fuel examination and testing. They will also assist in development of measurement and characterisation techniques, including implementing new techniques/methods and assisting in improvement of existing techniques. In addition to undertaking work in the UK’s high active fuel examination facility and the Workington Laboratory, the role may include the requirement to visit customer and supplier sites based in the UK.

The role holders will analyse and report data collected from fuel examinations for internal and external stakeholders. Successful applicants will also be required to understand, operate and assist in development and testing of experimental equipment for characterisation of irradiated fuel.

Under supervision of technical leads, the role holder will co‑ordinate and deliver tasks required within to agreed time, cost and quality requirements.

The role holders will need to provide the highest quality data output, and ensure maintenance of those quality standards through creation and implementation of procedures, written guidance or applicable standards as needed.

Training and development towards a position as a specialist expert in the PIE field will be provided, working alongside recognised industry experts.

The role holders will analyse data and operate remotely equipment within the active handling facility hot cells. Depending on the skills and background of the individuals they will be focused on the technical areas they best suit. The fundamental experience of operating, developing and maintaining instruments in the hot cells, and analysis of data, can be built on to develop the future technical leads through an established career pathway.

Areas the individuals may focus on include (but are not limited to):

• Support and identification/problem solving of issues during large scale cutting operations
• NDE examination for eddy current and gamma scanning
• Machining/cutting technologies
• Analysis of materials property data
• Coding and software development

The location for this role is flexible and can be based at Workington or Sellafield.

• Technical delivery of tasks in order to ensure that standards of safety, cost, quality, scientific merit and time are met.
• Directly undertake data‑recording tasks and experimental work as required.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with procedures.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to develop experimental approaches and techniques, ensuring data capture is suitable to address the customer requirements (knowledge gaps associated with spent fuel and materials post‑irradiation).
• Contribute to technical and research programmes…