Materials Research Technician

Abingdon Road, Culham, Oxfordshire
Full-time - flexible working requests welcome
Salary: £31,661 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Confirmed Grade: Level 3
Department: Materials (MRF)

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

Job Description

As an employee of UKAEA, you will benefit from:

- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy.

Are you a skilled Materials Research Technician seeking a dynamic role encompassing diverse responsibilities and professional growth opportunities? In this position, you will excel in preparing metallographic samples to precise scientific analysis standards within defined timeframes.

Collaborating closely with customers, you'll offer valuable insights on equipment selection and conduct experiments outlined in task-specific documentation. The role also entails maintaining optimal stock levels of consumables, performing routine maintenance, and collaborating with maintenance teams when needed. Embrace the chance to actively contribute to process and equipment development, seeking support from the Lead Technician and playing a pivotal role in formulating procedures for the Materials Research Facility (MRF) processes in coordination with relevant departments.

Additional Responsibilities:

- Oversee effective and safe implementation of written and verbal instructions given by the facility supervisor.
- Act as an interface between the facility supervisors and the waste processing teams.
- Provide feedback on the progress of task-based projects to the section manager via the facility supervisors.
- To deputise for the facility supervisors during periods of absence.

Qualifications
Essential Requirements:

- Understanding of contamination control practices.
- Numerate and literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- A good working knowledge of size reduction tools such as high speed precision material sectioning saws.
- Able to wear RPE, i.e. Dust Mask, Tornado Hoods and Pressurised Suits.
- Able to become a Classified Beryllium and Radiation worker.
- Willing and able to train to become Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).

Other Responsibilities:

- Willingness to train as a crane and rigging user.
- Open to training as a PAT tester.

Additional Information

For a full list of benefits and to apply, select the apply button to be taken through to the UKAEA careers pages.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the UK Government website for information on criminal records checks. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.