Job Description

Applications are invited for a fixed term, full time Research Officer working in the Nuclear Futures Institute within the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Bangor University.



The Research Officer will carry out research relating to neutronics and core design for molten salt reactors. Duties will include safety analysis of the graphite-free fluoride-salt high temperature reactor (FHR) system (WP3) being investigated in this project. This includes salt-freezing prevention, decay heat removal analysis and assessment of online refuelling strategy. And experimental design for refuelling-related safety including heat transfer modelling, flow analysis, and stringer drop simulation.



Candidates should be educated to PhD in reactor physics, (or be close to the completion) or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role, and have previous experience simulating nuclear systems with multi-physics modelling methods.



The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible and the role is available until 31st May 2028.



This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.



Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.



Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.



Closing date for applications: 22 October 2025



Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Prof Simon Middleburgh Co-Director of the Nuclear Futures Institute - s.middleburgh@bangor.ac.uk



Committed To Equal Opportunities



Overview



Bangor University, located in Bangor, North Wales, is a respected public university known for its strong academic reputation, stunning natural surroundings, and supportive student environment. Established in 1884, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines such as science, arts, business, education, health, and environmental studies.



Work will primarily be undertaken in the Nuclear Futures Institute which is located in the School of Computer Science and Engineering in Bangor University's Dean Street building. Additionally, the role will involve a significant collaboration with Bangor's School of Ocean Sciences and members of the Centre for Environmental Biotechnology.



The Nuclear Futures Institute was established over five years ago to develop a capability in nuclear science, engineering and related skills at the university. Now the institute has around 40 researchers conducting work that touches almost all parts of the fuel cycle for nuclear fission and fusion energy.



The Project



Bangor University will lead the safety and experimental validation aspects of the graphite-free Fluoride-salt-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR) concept. The research will focus on evaluating key safety challenges, including primary salt freezing, decay heat removal, and online refuelling integrity. Using a combination of 1D system modelling, CFD simulations, and structural analysis, the team will assess the system's behaviour under accidental and transient conditions, such as loss of flow or fuel assembly drop events.



In parallel, the team will develop scaled experimental concepts to investigate thermal-hydraulic phenomena unique to this reactor design, including standpipe heat transfer and flow redistribution during refuelling. These experimental setups will be designed using dimensionless analysis to ensure representative behaviour at reduced scale and cost. The work will provide essential validation for computational models and support the development of a robust safety case for future deployment of AGR-like FHR systems.



Purpose of the Job



This post-doctoral Research Officer position associated with the Enabling Pin-type Graphite-Free Salt-Cooled Reactor Designs project is part of an established team (including Prof Shwageraus at the University of Cambridge) working in the area of nuclear engineering.



The project involves supporting the modelling of thermal hydraulics and reactor physics related to the development of the novel FHR system. The research will provide / the research outcomes will be:


Safety analysis of the graphite-free fluoride-salt high temperature reactor (FHR) system (WP3) being investigated in this project. This includes salt-freezing prevention, decay heat removal analysis and assessment of online refuelling strategy.

Experimental design for refuelling-related safety including heat transfer modelling, flow analysis, and stringer drop simulation The post holder will be responsible for planning / conducting / analysing and publishing a series of modelling studies whilst liaising with external partners.


Main Duties and Responsibilities


Gathering and analysis of data related to the operation and performance of molten salt reactor concepts and to understand their various re-fuelling strategies and safety related performance data. This could include: acquire and maintain a thorough and up to date knowledge of the scientific literature related to the research aims of the project, actively support the principal investigator in developing new techniques, scheduling and testing research, and collecting and analysing data.

Delivering research outcomes in the form of reports to the co-investigators and the co-synthesis and leadership of original research articles, particularly on the subject of refuelling strategies of molten salt reactors. This could include: contribute to the dissemination of research outputs through relevant scientific technical and public press and conferences, write regular updates on progress to the project management group. collaborate with co-researchers and write up the results in scientific articles, write final reports and discussing and sharing results with grant holders.

Administration of the research project. This includes participation in project meetings, coordination of the project to meet aims and objectives and to liaise with the key academic stakeholders (external and internal).

Monitoring of financial controls associated with the research project. Monitor and review costing to ensure research project is with budget.

Other duties and responsibilities specific to the role include: advise and collaborate with Masters and PhD students within the research programme, contribute to the undergraduate programme, actively participate in specific College activities, establish collaborative groups (internal or external), gain external funding, and project management.


In addition to this, lecturing and leading of seminars may be included in the role, particularly supporting the Engineering programmes within the school.



Other Duties and Responsibilities


The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.

The post holder will be expected to comply with the University's equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University's Welsh Language Scheme.

The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.

The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.


Person Specification


Qualifications/Training



Essential


PhD in reactor physics, (or be close to the completion of) or possess equivalent experience relevant to the role.

Research reactor training.


Desirable


IAEA qualification in non-proliferation of nuclear materials.

Experience/Knowledge



Essential


Experience in simulating nuclear systems with multi-physics modelling methods.

The ability to perform high quality neutronics calculations.

Proven track record of publications in quality journals.

Proven track record of conference presentations.

Skills/Abilities



Essential


Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.

Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.

Demonstrate the ability to prioritise work load and work to deadlines.

Ability to use Serpent, MCNP, CASMO-SIMULATE and thermal hydraulics simulation software, RELAP and equivalents.


Desirable


Demonstrate proven project management skills

Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, Powerpoint, Excel.

Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team with good interpersonal skills.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If applicants are not able to speak / write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.


General



The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.



We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.



All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.



All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.



We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.



Candidates should also note that they may be required to apply for an ATAS certificate (Academic Approval Technology Scheme) from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before being able to apply for a visa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.



Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.