Missions

Within the framework of a partnership between FRAMATOME, CNRS, Centrale Lille, and the University of Lille, the research engineer will be tasked with conducting material characterization studies relevant to nuclear applications. This work will support the conversion of high-flux European research reactors from military-grade uranium (highly enriched uranium, HEU, at 93% U-235) to civilian-grade uranium (low enriched uranium, LEU, at less than 20% U-235). The reactors involved are: RHF (operated by ILL in France), FRM II (operated by TUM in Germany) andBR2 (operated by SCK.CEN in Belgium). A reactor is considered “converted” once it receives its first LEU fuel element. The conversion of these three reactors is scheduled for 2032.
The project will focus on the development and characterization—both microstructural and thermomechanical—of monolithic UMo and high-density U3Si2 fuels.

Activities

Principal activity :
In collaboration with the permanent staff of the laboratory, FRAMATOME, and the technical personnel of the Chevreul Institute, the candidate will be required to:
Define a set of experimental protocols tailored to the scientific project.
Develop scientific strategies to meet the project's requirements.
Conduct or supervise experiments, process experimental data, and interpret results in relation to research objectives.
Disseminate and promote findings through technical reports, publications, or presentations.
Train and assist users on the principles and implementation of one or more characterization techniques.
Ensure the proper operation of the Chevreul Institute's nuclear platform, including regular maintenance and performance monitoring of equipment.
Associated Activities
Train users and self-train on risks associated with equipment use and handling of low-level radioactive materials.
Inform users about risks related to techniques and products, and enforce safety regulations.
Conduct scientific and technological watch.
Supervise interns assigned to the joint laboratory.

Skills

Knowledge & Skills
Previous experience conducting research on inorganic materials (metallic alloys or ceramics).
Strong knowledge of materials chemistry and physical metallurgy.
Proficiency in characterization techniques.
Fluency in scientific English.
Soft Skills
Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Strong interpersonal and teaching skills.
Rigorous, autonomous, and well-organized.
Team player.
Ability to report and communicate results clearly.

Results and controls

The assignment will conclude once the development of these new fuels is finalized and their industrial production begins, currently scheduled for April 2030.
A key milestone in the development process will be the results of the European EU CONVERSION contract in September 2027, which will either validate or halt further development.

Work Context

Context of the Assignment
This position is part of PUMA, a joint research laboratory between FRAMATOME's Fuel Business Unit, the University of Lille, and CNRS. The academic laboratories involved are UCCS, UMET, and PC2A. The purpose of this joint laboratory is to conduct applied research in materials science, physical metallurgy, and modeling to address challenges faced by FRAMATOME in the development of existing fuels and/or the design of new fuel types.
The experimental resources available include those of the Nuclear Platform at the M.E. Chevreul Institute (chevreul.univ-lille.fr)—such as sample preparation, furnaces, DTA, optical microscopy—as well as the institute's advanced characterization platform (electron microscopy, XRD, surface analysis), and potentially specific equipment from associated laboratories.
This is a 72-month fixed-term scientific contract (CDI de mission).
Security Clearance
The position is in a sector subject to the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST). Therefore, in accordance with regulations, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

The individual will carry out activities on natural or low-enriched uranium samples under the supervision of the Radiation Protection Advisor responsible for the nuclear platform at the Chevreul Institute.