Materials Scientist

Role description

We are looking for a highly motivated Materials Scientist to contribute to the development of advanced methodologies for the investigation of fretting and fretting-corrosion phenomena in liquid lead environments for Lead Fast Reactor (LFR) applications.

The candidate will support experimental and modelling activities focused on the coupled effects of corrosion, fretting wear, and structural degradation of steels operating in liquid lead environments under dynamic loading conditions. This role will contribute to improving the safety, reliability, and structural integrity of next-generation nuclear systems through the development of experimental databases, advanced characterization methodologies, and predictive models.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research environment involving materials science, structural mechanics, tribology, corrosion science, and nuclear engineering, with experimental validation activities connected to large-scale infrastructures.

Main activities

• Develop and execute experimental activities focused on fretting and fretting-corrosion mechanisms affecting structural steels in liquid lead environments.
• Design and perform thermo-mechanical and tribological tests under controlled environmental conditions, including high-temperature exposure (above 500 °C), controlled oxygen concentration, and contact loading conditions.
• Investigate the coupled effects of corrosion and fretting on:
  - Material loss and wear evolution
  - Surface degradation mechanisms
  - Microstructural evolution
  - Crack initiation mechanisms
• Define experimental methodologies and testing procedures according to applicable standards and best research practices.
• Prepare samples and perform pre- and post-test characterization activities using structural and surface analysis techniques such as:
  - Optical microscopy
  - SEM/EDX
  - Profilometry
  - Microhardness testing
  - Microstructural characterization techniques
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, identifying correlations between environmental degradation, contact conditions, and mechanical response.
• Contribute to the development and validation of fretting-corrosion models and/or predictive correlations for liquid metal environments.
• Support numerical modelling activities related to contact mechanics, structural response, and coupled degradation phenomena.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers involved in FEM, FSI, and structural dynamics simulations for LFR systems.
• Contribute to the definition of anti-fretting mitigation strategies and design guidelines for components operating in liquid metal reactors.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation.
• Participate in project meetings, experimental campaigns, and collaborative research activities with industrial and academic partners.
• Operate laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety procedures and quality requirements.
• Contribute to a collaborative and innovation-driven research environment.

Desired qualifications

• PhD in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Metallurgy, Tribology, Corrosion Science, or related fields is required.
• Proven research experience in at least one of the following areas:
  - Corrosion and/or wear mechanisms
  - Fretting or fretting-corrosion phenomena
  - High-temperature materials degradation
  - Liquid metal corrosion and/or mechanical degradation
  - Tribology and surface engineering
  - Structural integrity of metallic materials
• Hands-on experience with experimental laboratory activities and material characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of metallic materials behaviour under thermo-mechanical loading and corrosive environments.
• Experience in designing and executing experimental campaigns and analysing scientific data.
• Familiarity with steels and structural materials for nuclear or high-temperature applications is a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of FEM modelling, contact mechanics, or multiphysics simulations is considered a plus.
• Experience in scientific writing, technical reporting, and publication activities is appreciated.
• Previous experience in nuclear, energy, aerospace, or other highly regulated sectors is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (CEFR C1+).
• Fluent in Italian.