Research Associate in Creep and Microstructural Characterisation of Stainless Steel

The University of Manchester

Closing date: 28/02/2013
Reference: EPS-02294
Faculty / Organisational unit: Engineering Physical Sciences
School / Directorate: School of Materials 
Division: Materials 
Salary: £29,541 to £30,424 p.a.
Employment type: Fixed Term
Duration: up to 36 months
Hours per week: 35
Location: Manchester

The University of Manchester is looking to recruit a research associate to undertake a 36 month project on the topic of “Environmental Impact on the Structural Integrity of Nuclear Components”.

This post is funded through a Technology Strategy Board (TSB) government grant and is part of a £2.2M consortium project led by EDF Energy which aims to establish and extend the safe and economic lifetime of the UK fleet of Advanced Gas Cooled Nuclear Reactors (AGRs), which generate ~15% of the UK’s electricity.

The overall aim of the project is to develop an understanding of the interaction which occurs between the AGR’s coolant environment (CO₂) and creep-fatigue initiation and cracking behaviour, which are principal life-limiting degradation mechanisms for stainless steel components within the reactor pressure vessel. 

Candidates are required to possess (or to be acquirirng soon) a PhD qualification, or equivalent experience, in materials science, or physical sciences/engineering. The successful candidate will carry out mechanical and microstructural examinations to provide mechanistic understanding and experimental data that can be used for the formulation of predictive models by other parties within the consortium. For this reason, expertise in microstructural and materials characterisation is essential. The research associate will need to be capable of working under their own initiative and to productively interact with the rest of the research team, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.

The appointment will be fixed term for up to 36 months from 1April 2013.

Informal enquiries

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Fabio Sceninior Prof Bob Ainsworth

Email: f.scenini@manchester.ac.uk or robert.ainsworth@manchester.ac.uk.

The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Further particulars

• EPS-02294 Research Associate in Creep and Microstructural Characterisation of Stainless Steel   (PDF, 65. Kb)

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