Technology Manager (Irradiated Materials)

Job Introduction

Job Description for Technology Manager (Irradiated Materials): 

NNL 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. 

NNL is looking for a high calibre, motivated and experienced scientist to join the Materials and Chemistry team based at Culham (Oxfordshire). The team is part of the Fuels, Reactors and Reprocessing capability within NNL which delivers commercial R&D to help solve a wide range of challenges in the nuclear industry.  This role will be developing and applying mechanistic understanding of radiation damage phenomena, materials characterisation and corrosion science, making wide use of specialist equipment and microstructural techniques both within NNL and in the wider supply chain.  

The role holder will provide technical leadership in metallurgy, notably radiation effects on materials, predominantly supporting the UK defence programme, however, there will also be a requirement for civil applications. The role holder will be working alongside recognised industry experts.  Due to the nature of the work post holder needs to be a UK national.

Main Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities for Technology Manager (Irradiated Materials): 

• Take a leading technical role in planning and delivery of tasks within the irradiated materials team to ensure that standards of safety, cost, quality and time are met. 
• Identify suitable resources and equipment from within NNL, or if necessary, outside NNL to ensure successful delivery for the customer.  
• Working with stakeholders to expand the capability and scope within the UK and the overseas arena. 
• Engage with Account Directors, customers and other stakeholders to develop experimental approaches, techniques and equipment to address knowledge gaps associated with irradiated metals and alloys.
• Provide advice and technical guidance on degradation processes and problem-solving operational issues in their own working area. 
• Facilitate the professional development of staff and the achievement of project requirements via supervising work performed, where appropriate, assist in the training and development of others to appropriate standards. 
• Reviewing work performed within the Materials and Corrosion team to provide feedback which promotes and encourages professional development and ensures high quality in the work seen by customers.
• Contribute to the improvement of working practices and environment particularly in their own area of responsibility.
• Develop innovative ideas, and progress new opportunities for innovation, technology development and/or customer service in his/her own area of work. 
  • Interpret analytical data produced to characterise irradiated materials.
  • Apply a depth of  knowledge and expertise to new areas of business.
  • Maintain accurate records in accordance with laid down procedures.
  • Provide leadership on innovation and improvement activities.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria for Technology Manager (Irradiated Materials): 

• A PhD in materials science, physical science or engineering with experience in structural integrity of irradiated materials
• Enhanced security clearance (at least SC) or a willingness to undertake further security clearance
• A proven aptitude for problem solving
• Proven experience of writing high quality technical reports
• Proven track record in delivery of multiple projects over £100k’
• Managing stakeholder meetings involving the regulators, customers and international parties
• Excellent communication and team working skills
• A pro-active and flexible approach to customer support and project delivery in making sure that requirements and expectations are met or exceeded.
• A good track record in leading scientific work programmes
• Proven ability to conform to appropriate safe systems of work
• Demonstration of a positive attitude to safety, security and other EHSS&Q requirements
• Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team environment as well as independently
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).
• Ability to view UK eyes only information – this involves being a British citizen as defined in the British Nationality Act 1981 (British Nationality Act 1981 (legislation.gov.uk)).  Please note if you hold a dual nationality of which one nationality is British you may still be able to view UK eyes only information it does however depend on what your other nationality is.  

Desirable Criteria for Technology Manager (Irradiated Materials): 

• Experience with regulatory environment. 
• Experience with international projects, customers or collaborators.

About The Company

Grounded in robust science and decades of experience, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is the authoritative voice in the UK and beyond for technological development within the nuclear power sector.

Our unparalleled understanding of the science, challenges and opportunities makes us an unrivalled authority and partner in the field, providing experts, technologies, and access to cutting-edge facilities to organisations around the world.

Harnessing potential technologies and translating them into to industry-ready solutions means our pioneering approach spearheads international improvement and technological progress.

We work on projects as small as drilling a hole to analyse underground wastes with our integrated micro drilling technology, or as large as developing state-of-the-art power systems for spacecraft, based on radioactive materials

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) where NNL aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Recruitment Agency Notice

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for the provision of recruitment services. Only agencies on our PSL may provide CVs and only when the role is released to them by our recruitment team. We will not accept unsolicited CVs from suppliers not currently on our PSL. We explicitly reserve the right to add candidate details from unsolicited CVs from non-PSL agencies into our own candidate database and to pursue/hire such candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the agency concerned.