Research Assistant/Associate in Reactor Physics Modelling and Uncertainty Quantification (Fixed Term)

Two positions exist, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on a reactor-physics based assessment of the role of uncertainty in a severe nuclear accident.

The post-holders will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The key responsibilities and duties are: completing a review of relevant existing literature; continually updating knowledge and understanding of relevant modelling and uncertainty quantification methods; development and validation of suitable reactor - and multi-physics models of a 4-loop Westinghouse PWR; application of suitable uncertainty quantification methodologies to enable the impact of uncertainties on the progression of loss of coolant accidents to be assessed; writing research publications and attending conferences; writing reports and participating in meetings with project partners.

Additional responsibilities include: assisting in the supervision of student projects; assisting in the development of student research skills; planning and delivering seminars relating to research area.

The successful applicants will have or be very near to completing a PhD in Nuclear Engineering or a related subject (or have equivalent experience). They will have knowledge and experience of nuclear reactor simulation work - both reactor and multi-physics simulation - and of uncertainty quantification work. They will ideally have experience of using the UK reactor physics codes WIMS and PANTHER and of using the RELAP5 transient and accident analysis code. They will have experience of managing their own workload and a track record of authoring high-quality academic publications.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £29,605 - £33,966 Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2024 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions of a technical nature about this vacancy, please contact Professor Geoff Parks, email: [email protected] . If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Jo Boyle, email [email protected] .

Please quote reference NM40534 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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