Materials Electrochemist Consultant

Amentum are looking to recruit a Nuclear Materials Consultant at our Birchwood laboratory facilities (ISO 17025 accredited) who has the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to the behaviour and degradation of reactor core materials, primarily zirconium based alloys, and their degradation behaviour under in-reactor conditions. The applicant must possess strong critical thinking skills and be able to manage their time across a range of complex tasks simultaneously. The successful candidate will join the Core Materials team within the wider Materials Science and Structural Integrity (MSSI) business unit. Their responsibilities will include:

• Provide laboratory support when needed for electrochemical testing of primarily zirconium-based alloys. For example, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization.
• Write and review technical reports on the corrosion behaviour of zirconium alloys.
• Design and support gamma-irradiation experiments, with the aim of developing a deep mechanistic understanding of irradiation induced corrosion behaviour of zirconium alloys. The irradiation experimentation can be taught on the job, but a grasp on the fundamental ideas is important.
• Interface with external stakeholders and work within a multipartite research programme.
• Support links with academic institutes and be actively involved in scoping new research projects.
  
  A strong understanding of the corrosion behaviour of metallic systems, with previous experience in zirconium alloys an advantage. A grasp of the impact radiation fields have on material performance is desired.
• Experience with electrochemical experimental techniques. There is the opportunity to guide the research programme with techniques we are currently not using. We work in an open and collaborative way, providing team members with freedom to explore ideas.
• A solid foundation in handling and manipulating large data sets.
• An ability to write technical reports precisely, succinctly and to deadlines.
• To be adaptable and have and good time management skills, in order to work effectively across multiple projects.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills. These are essential for the success of a large-scale research programme.
  
  People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent.
In addition to the benefits you'd expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. We also give back to our communities through our Collectively program which incorporates matched-funding, paid volunteering time and charitable donations. Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us. We're happy to discuss hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.