At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive advanced turbulence and transport analysis for pioneering fusion research.
- Company: Join UK Atomic Energy Authority, shaping the future of clean energy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture committed to equality and diversity in STEM.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fusion research and collaborate with global scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in plasma physics or related field, with strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 57117 - 57117 £ per year.
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.
Key Responsibilities- 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 talent@ukaea.uk 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.
Senior Core Turbulence & Transport Modeller (Hybrid) employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
At UKAEA, we are at the forefront of pioneering fusion research, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. As a Senior Core Turbulence & Transport Modeller, you will benefit from flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development, all while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in clean energy. Join us in shaping the future of energy in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and fosters growth.
Contact Details:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Core Turbulence & Transport Modeller (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the fusion research field on LinkedIn or at conferences. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects and research. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on explaining complex concepts simply, as you’ll need to communicate effectively with physicists and other scientists.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Core Turbulence & Transport Modeller (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in plasma physics and modelling. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Show Off Your Research Skills:Since this role involves independent research, be sure to include specific examples of your past work in turbulence and transport modelling. We love seeing high-quality outputs, so share those impressive results you've achieved!
Communicate Clearly:Strong written communication is key for us, especially when it comes to reporting results and disseminating findings. Keep your application clear and concise, and don’t forget to proofread for any sneaky typos!
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, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at UKAEA!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Codes
Familiarise yourself with the advanced transport codes and integrated modelling frameworks mentioned in the job description, like JINTRAC and TRANSP. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will show that you're not just a theoretical candidate but someone who can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Research
Prepare to talk about your PhD and post-doctoral research in plasma physics. Highlight specific projects where you've developed core turbulent transport models or conducted independent research. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since the role involves nurturing collaborations, think of examples where you've successfully worked with others, especially in international settings. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to existing partnerships and seek new opportunities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. Since strong oral and written communication skills are essential, consider preparing a brief presentation on your past work or findings to showcase your ability to convey information effectively.
