Senior Core Turbulence & Transport Modeller (Hybrid) in Abingdon

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Join us in shaping the future of the world’s energy through pioneering fusion research.

As this role, you will drive turbulence and transport analysis using advanced transport codes and integrated modelling frameworks such as JINTRAC and TRANSP, and state‑of‑the‑art core turbulence and gyrokinetic codes. Your work will span existing and future tokamaks, including MAST‑U and the conceptual high‑β spherical tokamak power plant, STEP.

• Lead and validate turbulence models to produce predictive simulations of core plasma transport in support of UKAEA’s STEP programme.
• Maintain and guide the development of Prokinetics, the Python library used for gyrokinetic code analysis.
• Direct, propose and execute experiments on MAST‑U in the area of core plasma modelling.
• Act as the scientific point of contact for core plasma modelling on MAST‑U.
• Develop and nurture existing collaborations, and seek new national and international partnership opportunities.
• Guide the future of transport and turbulence analysis at UKAEA through mentorship and direction.
• Report results at science and progress meetings; disseminate findings through presentations, conferences, and peer‑reviewed journal papers.
• Mentor early‑career researchers in turbulence and transport modelling.

• A strong scientific and technical aptitude, coupled with a growth mindset for acquiring new knowledge relevant to the role.
• PhD level research experience in plasma physics or a related field, and post‑doctoral experience in plasma modelling.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research.
• Demonstrable high‑quality outputs in areas such as: core turbulent transport models based on gyrokinetics and/or reduced quasilinear models, heat, particle and momentum sources, transport analysis and integrated modelling of tokamak plasma scenarios.
• Ability to interact with physicists and understand their requirements.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Team‑player with an outward‑facing work ethic, collaborating closely with scientists worldwide.

• Salary: £57,117 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance).
• Onsite working is expected for 3 days a week, with flexible working options available.
• The role can be based at Culham, Oxfordshire.
• Security: Completion of an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and DBS checks may be required.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options and family‑friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days, and UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and full inclusion.

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all. We welcome talented people from all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to accessibility. Please email if you require assistance or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example changes to interview or information sharing processes.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.