Research Associate - Electronic Structure Simulations of Breeder Materials for Fusion Energy (A2188-S)

We are looking for an ambitious atomistic modeller to undertake an EPSRC funded research project entitled “Development of Advanced Ceramic Breeder Materials for Fusion Energy” in the Engineering Department at Lancaster University. The project will involve extensive collaboration with the world leading Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Oxfordshire.

Nuclear fusion is one of the most promising options for generating large amounts of carbon-free energy. Future fusion reactors will employ the so-called D-T reaction that involves the fusion of the isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium. While deuterium is readily available from sea water, tritium’s short half-life means that it does not occur naturally and must be bred through the transmutation of lithium. To ensure the plasma is sustainable at least one tritium must be generated for each fusion reaction occurring in the plasma. Therefore, the breeder blanket, where tritium is generated, is a critical component of a future fusion reactor. 

Lithium ceramics are leading candidates for use as breeder materials due to their high lithium densities. However, extraction of tritium from solid materials is complex and tritium retention in the lattice may jeopardise the sustainability of the fusion reaction. Therefore, this project will employ electronic structure simulations (principally density functional theory) to examine the atomic scale mechanisms that constitute the tritium release process from leading ceramic breeder candidate materials Li2TiO3 and Li4SiO4.

You will have, or expect to obtain soon, a PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a closely related area. Experience of density functional theory (preferably for studying defect chemistry/physics) and high performance computing are essential, as is competence in programming/scripting. You will be expected to develop understanding of tritium release from ceramic materials using DFT, that will enable the development of advanced breeder materials to support the UK fusion energy programme and prepare results for publication in leading academic journals and presentation at international conferences.

This post is full time and is being offered on a fixed term contract for up to 12 months.

Informal enquiries to Dr. Samuel Murphy, email: samuel.murphy@lancaster.ac.uk or Telephone 01524 592671.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 04 Sep 2018
Category: Research