At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research in plasma operations and contribute to fusion energy advancements.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in clean fusion energy innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in physics or fusion-related engineering and a passion for fusion operations.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating cleaner, carbon-free energy. UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements. Our mission is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. We embrace core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.
As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.
The salary for this role is £43,702 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 4 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.
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Plasma Operations Physicist, you will play a pivotal role in plasma operations activities in present and future fusion devices, including fusion power plants. You will join a world class team and support MAST-U operations, contribute to the operations of future machines such as STEP, and travel to other plasma machines around the world to learn and share operational knowledge.
The job holder is expected to develop an area of expertise with tokamak and plasma operations while also developing a general understanding of how future machines will operate in their full life cycle. Experience in areas such as (but not restricted to) plasma control, diagnostics, auxiliary heating, plasma physics, modelling or other operational areas (e.g. accelerators, intense lasers) would be ideal for this role.
Job Responsibilities:
- Conduct research in plasma operations and plasma physics in the experimental campaigns in UKAEA programmes, such as MAST-U or international facilities.
- Support the Responsible Officers of control or protection systems in present or future devices, as required.
- Attend appropriate forums as an expert in plasma operations.
- Learn and perform operational control room roles.
- Collaborate with UKAEA specialists in the design and development activities for existing and new devices, such as STEP.
- Provide advice on plasma operations that influences UKAEA’s corporate strategy.
- Support plasma operations activities led by plasma operations experts and internal UKAEA committees and panels.
- Participate in external collaborations where appropriate.
- Participate in experimental programmes (e.g. WPTE EURO fusion) as part of experimental teams.
Essential Requirements:
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics or fusion-related engineering field.
- Desire to develop skills in fusion operations.
- Understanding of fusion physics.
- Readiness to conduct research and participate in research teams.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- A good team player ready to work in national and international teams.
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently 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 being accessible. Please email 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 Operations Physicist in England employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
UKAEA is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of clean energy solutions. Employees benefit from a generous benefits package, including a defined benefit pension scheme, flexible working options, and ample career development opportunities, all while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in fusion energy at our Culham site in Oxfordshire.
Contact Details:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Plasma Operations Physicist in England
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We think you need these skills to ace Plasma Operations Physicist in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
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How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
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In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of UK Atomic Energy Authority.
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