Professor of Nuclear Engineering

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too. 

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design. 

School of Engineering and Built Environment 

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment. 

The School is home to research-active academics with backgrounds in architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real-world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies. 

The discipline area is located in the University’s STEM annex in Markeaton Street, where staff offices and lab facilities are co-located. Key investments in the last few years include dedicated intelligent instrumentation and smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, power engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. The discipline area is actively engaged in knowledge exchange projects and has an active applied research agenda.

Join us in shaping the future of Nuclear Engineering

The UK nuclear sector is entering a period of transformational growth, with national strategies highlighting a substantial and urgent skills gap in nuclear engineering. At the University of Derby, we are committed to being part of the solution.

The University of Derby has a clear ambition to build a distinctive, high‑impact nuclear engineering research agenda that delivers national and international benefit. Significant investment in senior academic research appointments will strengthen research leadership, build critical mass, and shape future capability across nuclear power generation, product and systems engineering. The emphasis is on applied, industry-aligned research that addresses industry-focussed challenges, attracts external funding, and delivers tangible impact for the nuclear sector.

This research agenda is closely integrated with advanced research training and innovation. It builds on established success with Rolls‑Royce through the Nuclear Skills Academy, degree apprenticeships, and specialist MSc provision. Research excellence will underpin education, skills development, and workforce innovation, positioning the institution as a trusted leader in nuclear research and innovation. Growing our partnership with BAE Systems, the role will support industry‑embedded PhD programmes, collaboration with in‑house nuclear training teams, and accredited programmes.

Areas of Specialism

We welcome applications from accomplished research or industry leaders in any of the following areas:

• Advanced Materials, Manufacturing & Prototyping
• Digital Engineering
• Thermal Hydraulics
• Reactor Technology (including SMR)

Your Impact

As a Professor, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s reputation in nuclear research and innovation. You will:

• Provide strategic leadership of research across the School and with key industry partners.
• Strengthen and expand external partnerships, securing funding through collaborative research and development initiatives.
• Supervise PhD students funded through University and industry partnerships.
• Contribute to postgraduate teaching, including expert seminars and dissertation supervision on the MSc in Nuclear Product Engineering for Power Generation.

Interview date: Wednesday 22nd July 2026

This role is employed by University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, therefore in order to undertake this position an individual must hold Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if the individual does not currently already have this in place. 

Due to the nature of work that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets a person must be a UK national or in MoD approved cases a Dual National from a non-ITAR country: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_country_landing

We are seeking established leaders with a recognised track record of excellence. You will demonstrate:

• A strong portfolio of high‑quality peer‑reviewed publications.
• Sustained success in securing external research funding.
• The ability to inspire academic teams, influence industry partners, and drive impactful innovation.

We also welcome applications from candidates with predominantly industrial backgrounds, where the scope, scale, and impact of achievements clearly demonstrate senior expertise.

Help us power the UK’s Net Zero future - this is a rare opportunity to shape the direction of nuclear engineering education and research at a critical moment for the UK energy sector. Join us and be part of a mission with national significance and global reach.

Research

1. Develop and lead on research programmes of significant impact and quality in own subject area.
2. Secure external funding which develops research capacity in the College and advances its reputation.
3. Publish research outcomes in high quality publications or other recognised forms of output (e.g., software, patents, creative works, externally recognised professional practice) consistent with a very strong return in the Research Excellence Frameworks.
4. Actively pursue research and collaborative partnerships across the University and with other institutions and relevant bodies.
5. Provide intellectual leadership and mentoring to other academic staff in the College and provide development and support to fulfil research objectives.
6. Lead a research focused team, supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral staff as appropriate and actively contribute to and support staff development programmes.
7. Lead major funding bids which contribute to the reputation and income generation of the University.
8. Contribute to the strategic direction of the College/University’s innovation and research strategy, both within the area of expertise and more generally.
9. Provide strategic leadership which contributes to achieving the Department and wider College/University targets.
10. Through your research, demonstrate a strong contribution to the quality and continuous improvement of learning and teaching within the relevant discipline, recognised at both national and international levels.

Learning and Teaching

1. Design, develop and lead on learning and teaching provision in own subject area commensurate with the role, including the strategic development of new programmes or areas of activity.
2. Be responsible for the quality assurance of learning and teaching, for the setting of standards expected within the University and the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and monitor delivery.
3. Contribute to learning and teaching strategies within the College/University, and their ongoing development.
4. Be responsible for championing new and different pedagogies necessary for excellent learning and teaching and ensure these are disseminated to academic staff.
5. Teach at all levels, including level 8 as appropriate and actively contribute to and support staff development programmes.
6. Publish pedagogic research outcomes in high quality publications or other recognised forms of output, consistent with a very strong return in Research Excellence Frameworks.
7. Lead a learning and teaching focused team, supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral staff as appropriate and actively contribute to and support staff development programmes.
8. Lead on the process of quality, audit and other external assessments for areas of expertise, and contribute to the wider audit processes for the College.
9. Contribute to the strategic direction of the College’s learning and teaching strategy, both within the area of expertise and more generally.
10. Demonstrate a contribution to learning and teaching within the relevant discipline recognised at a national/international level.

Professional Practice

1. Significant sustained record of engagement and collaboration with national and international groups and decision makers in your professional area.
2. Significant evidence of leading within practice or industry in a professional field with national and international impact.
3. Successfully lead major funding bids which contribute to the reputation and income of the University and area of professional practice.
4. Lead a professional practice focused team, supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral staff as appropriate and actively contribute to and support staff development programmes.
5. Through your professional practice, demonstrate leadership in ensuring the quality and continuous improvement of learning and teaching within the relevant discipline, recognised at a national/international level.
6. Provide strategic leadership which contributes to achieving the Department and wider College/University targets.
7. Contribute to the strategic direction of the College/University innovation and research strategies.
8. Lead major funding bids which contribute to the reputation and income generation of the University.
9. Develop and lead on research programmes of significant impact and quality in own subject area.