Post Doctorate Scheme 2023

Job Introduction
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.

As the national laboratory for nuclear fission in the UK, we are harnessing nuclear science to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.

The Separation Science and Special Nuclear Materials team have a unique expertise and provide the key skills required to support the UK’s future nuclear programmes as well as playing an important role in several European collaborations. The team specialise in laboratory-scale, medium inventory experiments in reprocessing, isotopic separation and Plutonium Science.

In addition to RAMAN spectroscopy, you will use a variety of analytical techniques including alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry and UV/vis/IR spectrometry. The role will require you to develop your skills and knowledge in carrying out experiments in gloveboxes and fumehoods under highly regulated processes.

**To join the NNL Post Doctorate programme you will have a PhD in Radiochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy with practical experience in vibrational spectroscopy.**

**You will have the right to work in the UK and be able to achieve DV level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 10 years’ worth of UK residency).**

We are developing the next generation of technical experts. Not only will you receive the opportunity to work on challenging and exciting projects, but you’ll continually learn from skilled and knowledgeable industry experts who are leaders in their field. We will help you become everything you can be, by challenging, stretching, and pushing you to your limits while supporting you every step of the way.

You will be responsible for the provision of specified services to internal/external customers (Sellafield Limited, BEIS, AWE) to agreed standards through:

- The provision of direct support to a manager or group of staff
- Interpretation of instructions and production of good quality outputs, safely and to time
- The provision of technical information and checking of validity and records within appropriate guidelines
- As appropriate, participation in the preparation of technical reports and assessments within agreed timescales
- Where appropriate, you will develop the skills and abilities of others for the benefit of NNL
- Working within budgetary limits
- Ensuring detailed work records are maintained in accordance with laid down procedures
- Ensuring all relevant safety rules and procedures are applied by all staff
- Complying with legislative, regulatory and company policy standards and procedures e.g. safety, quality, risk, security etc. applicable to the role
- The developement and enhancement of RAMAN capability

NNL recognises that academia and industry are very different environments, our Postdoctoral Development Scheme will smooth the transition whilst supporting you as you take your first steps towards becoming a Subject Matter Expert.

Your two-year scheme will provide the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge and skills whilst providing you with an insight into NNL’s strategy and direction. You will receive an overview of how the company operates and delivers its projects.

You will undertake personal development through training aligned to your personal development plan and understand your strengths, weaknesses, and behaviours. You will receive a personal budget to support your development within your field of expertise.

From day one you’ll have a role in a technical team involved in delivering real customer projects. You will have direct sight of the value that your skills and knowledge have to our industry and by extension our society. The Postdoctoral Development Scheme runs alongside your role, providing you the space and skills to develop in a commercial environment whilst helping you decide how to advance your technical expertise.

Our two-year programme is designed to give you:

- An introduction to NNL so you understand where we sit in the wider context of the nuclear industry and how we work
- An introduction to the technical expertise at the core of our business so you understand how your expertise interrelates with our wider technical portfolio
- A clear pathway of technical development
- Commercial awareness of the Business Operations of NNL
- Opportunity to network with mid-career p