LIBRTI Breeder Scientist

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world's energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstandingdefined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporatebonus schemeup to 7% and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working optionsincluding family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programmeand trained Mental Health First Aiders,
• Generous annual leaveallowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range ofcareer development opportunities
• A vibrantculturecommitted to equality and being fullyinclusive

The salary for this role is £42,858(inclusive of a Specialist Allowance) delete SA or add MCIPS MPP as appropriate . Onsite working is expected for 5days 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.

LIBRTI is a £200m fusion fuel capability programme which aims to deliver a world first testbed for engineering scale fusion fuel prototype testing at Culham site in Oxfordshire. The programme comprises adaptation of a building, installation of a 14 MeV neutron source and an extensive suite of feederstream research in subjects as varied as tritium accountancy/ chemistry and molten salt chemical engineering, to multiphysics simulations of hydrogen isotope movements at high temperatures, and uncertainty quantification novel theory. LIBRTI's end goal is to run multi-tonne experiments under neutrons with global partners, delivering digital twin learnings for future fusion powerplant design and build.

The Role

The programme is seeking to hire a number of candidates in the fields of materials, chemistry, chemical / process engineering and maths and physics. Research is fast paced, involves work with UK universities and international fusion labs, and offers the chance of conference attendance and overseas short secondments if of interest. The team work together with specialists in materials, plasma, computing, robotics, tritium and engineering on a campus which includes two coffee shops, lots of green space and a vibrant social culture.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in UKAEA's research programs on breeder development for fusion. Organise, support and coordinate short- and long-term projects, arranging specimen/data procurement, scope of work, funding and resources for sample preparation, testing, and modelling.
• Deliver high quality, novel research or engineering in the field of tritium breeding through own endeavour and creative input.
• Compile and present results within technical reports, at scientific conferences and through publication of high-quality research articles.
• Work with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields) in order to complement UKAEA's internal capability.
• Contribute to the development and positive reinforcement of UKAEA's knowledge base, design rules and practices in the area of materials & nuclear physics research and development.
• Contribute to bids for and delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates).
• Propose, secure funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion PPPT Enabling Research, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates)

Essential:

• At least four-year degree in material science, mathematics, physics, chemistry or related and relevant subject
• Post graduate research in materials science demonstrated either through work experience in the materials field in industry, or a MSc / PhD degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working in a team.

Desirable

• Research experience in nuclear materials science and/or tritium breeding science
• Understanding of key fusion-relevant materials.
• Understanding of typical fusion plant components and manufacture methods.
• Experience of materials selection/justification in previous projects.
• Experience of writing research proposals and/ or project planning.
• Data management experience.
• Experience of working with tritium or in a tritium lab

A full list of our benefits can be found here

UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under-represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

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.