At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain plasma heating systems for cutting-edge fusion research.
- Company: Join the UK Atomic Energy Authority, a leader in clean energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, flexible working options, and diverse workplace culture.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging diverse applicants and offering great career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking fusion technology that could change the future of energy.
- Qualifications: PhD in Physics or relevant experience; strong programming and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48290 - 48290 € per year.
The salary for this role is £48,290 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days a week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.
This role can be based at any of the following sites: Culham, Oxfordshire.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
The Role
MAST Upgrade is currently the largest operating spherical tokamak in the world, providing a facility on which to perform experiments to provide the answer to key questions for fusion power to be delivered to the grid. We are looking for a Plasma Heating and Current Drive Physicist who will be part of the Tokamak Systems Unit which carries out the operation, upgrading and maintenance of plasma heating and current drive systems in support to the MAST Upgrade facility.
The jobholder is expected to take part and contribute to several aspects of delivering heating and current drive (Neutral Beam and Microwave Heating and Current Drive) to tokamak plasmas through the current and future heating systems at UKAEA (operations, software, plant subsystems, data analysis and modelling). The jobholder will carry out project work as a Plasma Heating and Current Drive Physicist on MAST Upgrade or other machines and may conduct research work. It is essential that the jobholder adopts outstanding safe working practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Development, improvement and maintenance of software packages used for operations and physics and performance analysis.
- Maintenance of neutral beam modelling codes.
- Responsible for heating plant subsystems and/or diagnostics.
- Analysing data and interpreting measurements from plant components, especially on upgraded systems.
- Acting as Shift Leader to contribute to the successful delivery of MAST Upgrade operations.
- Taking responsibility for some aspects of MAST Upgrade heating systems operations and commissioning.
- Carrying out project work and feasibility studies as a Heating and Current Drive Physicist for MAST Upgrade, STEP or other machines.
- Developing innovative research interest and proposing new projects in the field of plasma heating and current drive.
Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- PhD in Physics/Physical Science or MPhys/Master in physical science and relevant experience.
- Good knowledge of neutral beam systems and/or technology.
- Familiar with plasma heating and current drive physics.
- Basic knowledge of magnetic fusion concepts and tokamaks.
- Good inter-personal and communication skills (written and oral).
- Proficient in python programming and other languages for data analysis.
- Familiar with simulation codes, Linux, bash scripting and versioning systems.
Desirable Requirements:
- Working towards Chartered Physicist would be encouraged.
UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
Plasma Heating and Current Drive Physicist employer: Fusion Energy Base
The UK Atomic Energy Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of fusion energy research in Culham, Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including an outstanding pension scheme, we foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity, encouraging diverse talent to contribute to our mission of clean energy for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plasma Heating and Current Drive Physicist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the fusion energy field, especially those at UKAEA. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of plasma heating and current drive systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with neutral beam systems and any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your coding skills! Since proficiency in Python and data analysis is key, be prepared to demonstrate your abilities during technical assessments or discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Plasma Heating and Current Drive Physicist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in plasma heating and current drive physics. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your knowledge of neutral beam systems and programming!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about fusion energy and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about the MAST Upgrade project!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since good inter-personal and communication skills are essential, make sure your application reflects this. Whether it’s through clear writing or sharing examples of teamwork, we want to see how you connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our awesome benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fusion Energy Base
✨Know Your Physics
Brush up on your knowledge of plasma heating and current drive physics. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of neutral beam systems and magnetic fusion concepts, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Since proficiency in Python and other programming languages is essential, be ready to demonstrate your coding skills. Consider preparing a small project or example that showcases your ability to analyse data and use simulation codes effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good inter-personal and communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey technical information to non-specialists during the interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you've contributed to project work or led a team, especially in relation to heating systems operations or data analysis.