Lab Specialist

**Date**:24 Sep 2024

**Location**: Torino, IT

Brasimone, IT

**Company**:newcleo

We are looking for a Lab Specialist who will play an active role developing innovative nuclear materials for newcleo’s Lead Fast Reactor (LFR) technology. Process, characterize and test materials to gain fundamental understanding of the relationships between processing parameters and operational performance. Leverage top-notch experimental infrastructure and knowledge about standards, contributing to solve the main material challenges concerning fuel elements, reactor internals, pumps, vessels, and steam generators.

**Main Activities**
This role is experimental and will focus strongly in either of the following macro areas across different types of materials classes (steels, coatings, new materials): o Structural characterizations
- Thermo-mechanical testing
- Define the most appropriate measurement methods before testing in accordance with best experimental practices, in compliance with applicable standards.
- Elaborate test plans, execute experimental activities, perform tests and measurements, analyse test results, and produce technical reports, with attention to data curation and visualization.
- Contribute to the development of new measurement methods, tools and equipment (i.e. for tailored in-house needs), and design new parts and simple assemblies for pilot processes in close cooperation with materials scientists and engineers.
- Follow-up and execute R&D actions related to LFR materials, including development, preparation and participation in kick-off meetings, review meetings, design meetings and studies.
- Operate the equipment of the Materials Lab:
o process materials in bulk form (vacuum induction melting furnace) or as surface treatments (PVD, CVD )
- prepare samples for all kinds of structural characterization methods (optical microscopes, TEM, SEM, EDX, EBSD, XRD, WDS, FIB ), thermo-mechanical testing methods (tensile, toughness, creep, fatigue, fracture mechanics, micro and nano indenters, scratch testers ) or performance testing (corrosion in Pb, ion irradiations, neutron irradiations )
- use the instruments listed above and more.
- Link structural observations (grain size and orientation, precipitation, phase transformations, chemical and mechanical properties, dislocation features ) with thermo-mechanical behavior (ductile or brittle fracture, time to rupture, creep and fatigue life, adhesive strength, radiation tolerance )
- Define processes and guidelines, and conduct quality assurance actions in tight cooperation with the quality department.
- Guarantee supply of raw materials and consumables, and that tools are delivered in accordance with the defined design. Manage nonconformities and supervise expediting.
- Maintain lab instruments and test equipment, organize, and participate in trainings, and take the lead in the liaison with after-sales service.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary scientific and engineering teams.
- Participate in and foster a work environment that is based upon openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.

**Desired Qualifications**
- A bachelor’s degree in nuclear, mechanical, materials, physics, or chemical engineering, or equivalent, is a must. A master’s degree is a strong plus.
- Fluent Italian and English; French is a plus.
- Proven experience performing structural characterizations and thermo-mechanical tests according to specific standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM ). This includes hands-on experience with a few of the instruments described above.
- Applied knowledge of metallurgy, thermo-mechanical behavior of materials, supply and/or qualification of materials according to specific construction codes (e.g., ASME, RCC-MRx and/or EURO codes).
- Knowledge and/or experience in manufacturing and assembly aspects. Good skills with manufacturing, machining or welding are a strong advantage.
- Knowledge in design and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is a strong plus.
- Experience in a nuclear or other highly regulated environment and good understanding of safety aspects is a plus.
- Not more than/at least 5 years’ experience (depending on seniority junior/senior) in a laboratory/workshop environment at any academic or research institution or industrial company.