Graphite Specialist

Job Introduction Plan, co-ordinate and deliver all tasks required to ensure analysis related to graphite waste management and decommissioning are completed according to the agreed time, cost and quality requirements. Lead communications with the customer and other stakeholders in order to establish the requirements of the work and ensure continuous engagement with all stakeholders during delivery. Develop partnerships to identify and progress new opportunities for innovation, technology development and/or customer service in his/her own area of work. The role will require undertaking a range of activities related to understanding the behaviour of irradiated graphite for the safe and continuous operation of reactor cores and providing advice on the future management and disposal of irradiated graphite from nuclear reactors. The majority of current work is focused on measurements, characterisation and development of new methods for irradiated AGR graphite. The team is also supporting NNL's internal R&D activities to develop our graphite waste management and microstructural characterisation capabilities and is currently funding three PhDs in these areas. The team actively participates in international activities, including those led by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and ASTM International. Role Responsibility Take a leading technical role in planning and delivery of tasks within the graphite team to ensure that standards of safety, cost, quality and time are met. Working with Stakeholders to expand the capability and scope within SL/NDA arena. Engage with the customer and other stakeholders to develop experimental approaches, techniques and equipment to address knowledge gaps associated with irradiated graphite management and disposal. Provide advice and guidance on technical issues in their own working area. Identify and progress new opportunities for innovation, technology development and/or customer service in his/her own area of work. Apply existing knowledge and expertise to new/evolving reactor systems. Maintain accurate records in accordance with laid down procedures. Where appropriate, assist in the training and development of others to appropriate standards. Contribute to the improvement of working practices and environment particularly in their own area of responsibility. Comply with all legislative, regulatory and company policy standards and procedures e.g. safety, quality, risk, security etc. applicable to the role. The Ideal Candidate Qualifications & Experience: A degree in materials science, physical science or engineering with demonstrable experience in the Graphite area. 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 measurement and analysis projects. Essential skills: 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. Desirable skills: PhD in a graphite or other materials area. Experience of handling nuclear and radioactive materials. Experience with regulatory and scientific aspects of graphite waste management. 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 National Nuclear Laboratory Apply