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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

This is an opportunity to join the fusion materials research group of the UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials, Professor Chris Race, in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. The group is working closely with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to develop physically-based modelling tools for the prediction of irradiation damage to materials in fusion reactors.

In this role you will develop methods and tools for the prediction of primary irradiation damage in a range of reactor materials. You will have experience of performing atomistic simulations, an interest in developing analytical models, and proficiency in the use of scripting languages for data analysis. You will be a keen communicator, with an interest in supervising post-graduate students, and a commitment to reproducible research practices and open science.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Use classical molecular dynamics to undertake simulations of primary irradiation damage in a variety of materials.
• Develop and deploy novel analysis methods to characterise the emerging patterns of damage and how damage accumulates over time to high doses.
• Create and share tools encapsulating the insight from the simulation and analysis.
• Conduct and disseminate your research in line with best practice in open and reproducible research.
• Collaborate effectively with other researchers in the UK fusion community, including at UKAEA.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments and interact regularly with UKAEA teams to ensure your research addresses the priorities of the fusion programme.
• Assist in the supervision of graduate students (PhD, MSc), and undergraduate project students.
• Write scientific reports and articles for publication, as and when required. Typically, this would involve the publication of 1-2 journal or conference papers per year and may also involve writing technical reports for sponsoring organisations.
• Make presentations on the research work carried out to the university and national fusion research networks and at other selected scientific meetings.
• Plan and manage your own research activity and administrative duties in collaboration with others.
• Be aware of and manage risks in the work environment and their potential impact on your own work and that of others.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is estimated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 29th June. This will consist of an interview beginning with a short presentation by the candidate. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 22nd June. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 15/06/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.