Research Support Office

Tender description

University-based research is an important component in the development of RWM's knowledge base. There is a strategic need for a collaborative long-term relationship with UK universities, which will deliver improved alignment to RWM's needs in its university-based work, sustaining and building a multi-disciplinary capability and building the next generation of post-doctoral researchers. The Research Support Office will deliver improved alignment to RWM's needs in its university-based work, with a stronger delivery focus through a centrally managed approach. The RWM Research Support Office will also improve contextual understanding and potentially enhance advocacy within a respected and influential stakeholder group. It will also enable RWM to capitalise on opportunities to extract economic gearing from UKRI and the universities, driven by the confidence engendered through sustained RWM investment, commitment and collaboration. By targeting funding to key university research teams RWM will also sustain and build the growth of the next generation of high quality post-doctoral researchers with a rigorous understanding of the scientific basis for geological disposal and the inherent social issues. This cohort will therefore be equipped to support RWM's growth, as well as the needs of the regulators and our supply chain companies. The Research Support Office will sustain and enhance a multi-disciplinary capability across a number of UK university teams that have a world-class track record in geological disposal science and technology, fostering collaboration and synergies rather than centralising and streamlining capability. Key disciplines include: • Geosciences (geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, engineering geology, structural geology, rock mechanics, geochemical modelling, etc.) • Radiochemistry and contaminant transfer processes, including microbiology • Materials science (metal corrosion, ceramic and glass formulation and evolution, cement and bentonite t