Senior Scientist in Oxford

We are looking for a skilled, enthusiastic and experienced scientist who is interested in theory, simulation and modelling techniques related to high-energy-density physics to join our Physics Assurance and Validation team.

You will have a developed appreciation and practical skills in the theoretical and simulation basis of the plasma physics related to inertial fusion energy (IFE) systems, particularly relating to hot electron generation and propagation during intense laser‑matter interaction and the equation of state, transport and relaxation properties of dense, interacting systems.

You will be a confident user of multi-physics codes to examine and understand integrated problems, have a working appreciation of verification, validation and cross‑code comparison, and have experience running a variety of simulation codes for generating the data needed to provide assurance for First Light Fusion’s numerical modelling capabilities.

You will also be aware of the role of modern AI and machine learning techniques in code acceleration, nonlinear regression problems and model uncertainty quantification.

The role will involve providing assurance for First Light Fusion’s numerical modelling capabilities by evaluating, validating and improving the constitutive physics models that underpin high-energy-density plasma simulations and inertial fusion system design.

This includes understanding and assuring the crucial constitutive closure data on which our multiphysics codes and holistic systems models rely, identifying areas where improvements are needed, quantifying their relative importance and impact by creating and running test problems, and developing suitable remedial capabilities through improved modelling and advanced simulation.

Showing both independent, bold thinking and a strong team mentality in the development and improvement of specific models and tools using evidence-driven prioritisation will be essential.

In addition, you will support colleagues across the company through technical input on understanding and applying theory and simulation knowledge for general problem-solving and analysis.

You will represent the company at international conferences and workshops, be a strong, confident and engaging communicator, have experience in writing high-quality scientific publications or reports, and contribute to broad collaborations with external partners across government, industry and academia.

This role is targeted at the Senior Scientist level, and a successful candidate will be expected to bring unique, proven knowledge to expand and bolster the skills of our team.

Accountabilities and deliverables

• Understanding, reproducing and developing models of constitutive physics at the cutting edge of IFE research.
• Carry out simulations and modelling to understand the impact of your work on systems of relevance, e. g., in-silico target design and experimental design and analysis.
• Enhance capability and assurance of our tools by implementing and designing new tests, modules and applications.
• Be prepared to work with colleagues across different teams on projects outside of your immediate experience and comfort zone.
• Provide technical input to colleagues in the application and interpretation of constitutive models and associated applied theory.
• Take ownership of defined technical tasks or work packages, delivering high-quality work to agreed timelines.
• Communicate and record your work in technical meetings, presentations, and written reports, occasionally including conference talks, posters, proceedings, and peer‑reviewed journal publications.
• Contribute to collaborations with external partners, academic groups, and research institutions where relevant.

Core skills, knowledge and attributes

• Ph D in a STEM subject, or demonstrated equivalent industry experience, with postgraduate‑level experience.
• General, broad knowledge of the challenges of high-energy-density physics and IFE.
• Strong background in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, and computational physics.
• Significant experience with scientific programming, preferably in python, modern Fortran and C++.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with experience in presenting at international conferences/workshops.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of scientists and engineers, and across industry and academia.
• Experience with theory and modelling of laser‑matter interaction and hot electron generation mechanisms relevant to intense, short‑pulse laser systems.
• Familiarity with simulation using multi‑physics codes, molecular dynamics, density functional theory, charged‑particle transport, Monte Carlo techniques, etc.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques for acceleration or numerical implementation and model surrogacy, and techniques for statistical quantification of model impact and uncertainty quantification.
• Well‑developed understanding and appreciation of software engineering best practice, including version control and test‑driven development philosophy.
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