Principal Innovation Developer in Bristol

We are recruiting for a Principal Innovation Developer for a permanent role based in Severn Beach, Bristol. In this role, you will be driving validated, timely, and predictive models that accelerate the commercialisation of novel technologies. Support the wider aims of the Innovation and Technology department and set an example of not just what to work on but how to work. Leveraging deep technical knowledge in the field of plasma physics, RF interactions, and gas dynamics to deliver customer value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver timely and validated modelling solutions to problems relevant to OIPT’s commercial interests.
• Take technical leadership of plasma modelling by ensuring the quality of modelling work from junior colleagues.
• Co‑creation and communication of our computational strategy to relevant stakeholders.
• Initiating and delivering global collaborations with both academia and industry.
• Emphasising the inventive and innovative elements of being a technologist.
• Credibly representing OIPT at global events.
• Create an environment in which the Core Technology team and wider Innovation and Technology department can flourish.
• Execute the existing computational strategy as the lead modeller.
• Design, pitch, and lead your own innovative projects.
• Co‑create the future modelling strategy for OIPT alongside key stakeholders.
• Apply for government funding from the UK, EU, and other national funding agencies to mitigate the risk of new projects.
• Supervise PhD students, postdocs, researchers in residence, and KTP associates to deliver commercial value on projects.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, peers, marketing and sales teams on project technical decisions and product benefits.

Education / Qualifications:

• Must be a skilled developer of ideas.
• A background in development is required, along with a clear portfolio of deliverables that link technical excellence to impact.
• PhD in Plasma Science.
• At least 10 years of experience with plasma modelling.

Professional Skills/ Abilities:

• Excellent understanding of plasma physics, fluid dynamics, and computational methods.
• Broad understanding of key physical concepts such as thermodynamics, electromagnetism, mechanics, and molecular dynamics.
• Excellent understanding of the chemistry that underpins the plasma processing of semiconductors.
• Be able to demonstrate a natural, logical problem‑solving ability.
• Demonstrable experience of leading large projects with a clear impact.
• Exceptional communication skills with a clear ability to crystalise complex technical concepts to expert and non‑expert audiences alike.
• Experience in talking with external stakeholders to define jobs to be done and delivering an MVP that matches these requirements.
• Expert coder in a range of languages and a clear willingness to learn new languages as necessary.
• Globally recognised expert in your field with the ability and willingness to represent OIPT at key events.

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we provide tools for the engineering of micro‑ and nano‑structures, with customers using our process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers. In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities, and a good work‑life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.