Research Associate for AI and Nuclear Engineering Modelling

Job description

About the role

Could your expertise in computational modelling, neutronics or AI methods help design and manage the nuclear reactors of tomorrow as a Research Associate in Applied Nuclear Computation? Working within Imperial College London's world-leading Applied Modelling & Computation Group (AMCG), you will apply advanced numerical, physics-based and data-driven methods to one or two exciting and complementary projects: an industry-funded digital engineering platform focused on the design and optimisation of a novel thorium reactor, and a UKRI-backed agentic digital ecosystem supporting the full lifecycle of next-generation High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs).

What you would be doing

As a Research Associate in the AMCG, you will contribute to internationally leading research, taking the initiative in planning and executing your own scientific work to contribute to the broader goals of two cutting-edge nuclear projects.

You will develop and apply advanced computational, numerical and physics-based methods, ensuring the validity and reliability of your data and maintaining meticulous records of your findings throughout. Your work will span the full research cycle - from identifying and developing appropriate techniques for data collection and analysis, to writing reports for research sponsors, submitting publications to high-quality refereed journals, and presenting your findings at national and international conferences.

You will also have the opportunity to lead and mentor, directing small research teams and providing guidance to PhD students and research assistants, helping to shape the next generation of computational scientists.

Collaboration will be at the heart of your role, as you build and maintain relationships with allied researchers both within Imperial College and across the wider international community, contributing to grant bids and actively participating in group meetings and seminars. In everything you do, you will be expected to uphold the highest standards of research integrity, safety and professionalism, promoting the reputation of the AMCG, the Department and Imperial College London as a whole.

What we are looking for

With up to three posts available, we welcome applicants from a broad range of disciplines - including applied mathematical modelling, computational mathematics, reactor physics and AI - who are eager to bring their technical expertise to one of the most important clean energy challenges of our time. In particular, you will have:

• A strong computational and numerical foundation - you hold a PhD (or have equivalent experience) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Nuclear Engineering or a closely related computational discipline, and have hands-on experience developing software implementing discretisation methods such as Finite Element or Finite Volume approaches. (Note: Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.)
• Scientific programming proficiency - you are confident writing and deploying scientific code in one or more of Fortran, C/C++ or Python, ideally with experience developing and running codes in High Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Familiarity with reactor physics methods and tools - experience with neutronics, fuel cycle or burnup/depletion modelling - whether through codes such as OpenMC, Serpent, MCNP, WIMS or SCALE, or through knowledge of advanced reactor concepts such as HTGRs or thorium systems - is highly advantageous, though not essential.
• An interest in or exposure to AI and data-driven modelling - experience applying machine learning or reduced-order modelling techniques to physics problems, such as training neural networks on simulation data, would be a valuable addition to our multidisciplinary team.
• A track record of research delivery and communication - you can demonstrate experience working in a research environment, with the ability to write clearly for publication, present confidently at conferences, and engage effectively with both academic collaborators and industry partners.
• A proactive, collaborative and organised approach to work - you are able to manage your own research programme with appropriate supervision, prioritise effectively against deadlines, and contribute positively to a team environment, including supporting and motivating junior researchers and students.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

Further information

This is a fixed term post for up to 33 months.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Chris Pain - [email protected]