Computational Scientist

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £43,702 (incl. £3,300 allowance

7% corporate performance bonus

Final salary defined benefits pension

25 days annual leave + 2.5 privilege +

3 days site closure at Christmas

Flexible working options

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority in Culham seeks a computational scientist to develop cutting‑edge simulation tools for edge plasma modelling in tokamaks, deploying them on the SUNRISE supercomputer and validating against experiments.

You will work with plasma and computing teams to apply numerical methods, ensure robust, well‑documented code, and mentor junior colleagues while contributing to future fusion devices.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in at least one modern programming language (C++, Fortran, Python, or Julia).
• Familiarity with software engineering practices and maintainable code.
• Knowledge of numerical methods for simulating physical systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply numerical methods to tokamak plasma modelling.
• Develop robust software for simulation tools and ensure testing and documentation.
• Collaborate with plasma and computing divisions to validate tools.
• Mentor junior colleagues and supervise doctoral students.

Skills

C++

Fortran

Python

Julia

Software engineering

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Hermes-3 edge code

SUNRISE supercomputer

Job description

About us

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 organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

About the job

UKAEA is seeking a computational scientist to focus on the development of cutting-edge simulation tools to model the complex plasma phenomena that govern the exhaust region of a tokamak. Effective mitigation of exhaust heat without compromising core performance is a pressing challenge for the design of future power plants, and so performant, accurate, well-engineered simulation tools are critically needed. As well as working with peers on the development of such capabilities, the role holder will assist with deploying and testing them on state-of-the-art systems like the SUNRISE supercomputer, which is soon to be stood up by UKAEA and Cambridge.

While this role is within UKAEA's computing division, it is expected that the successful applicant will also work closely with colleagues in the plasma division to validate developed tools against experiment, to assist with their use for the interpretation and design of future devices, and to understand code requirements.

The successful candidate should have experience with high-performance computing and/or numerical methods for simulation of physical systems (e.g. finite volume methods) as well as software engineering practices. Knowledge of exhaust plasma physics or a closely related discipline is highly desirable. The candidate will initially be working on development of the Hermes-3 edge code.

What You'll Be Doing

Technical

Apply computational and numerical methods to scientific problems and develop robust, maintainable software for tokamak plasma modelling.

Ensure software meets user requirements, is tested, versioned and appropriately documented.

Work with domain specialists to deploy computational models for research and development and advise colleagues within your area of expertise.

Organisational Knowledge

Understand the wider fusion research landscape and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.

People Management

Mentor junior colleagues and may supervise doctoral students.

Communication & Influencing

Communicate technical concepts, methods and results clearly to diverse audiences through reports, documentation, publications and presentations.

Decision Making

Make independent technical decisions within agreed objectives, methodologies and project frameworks, selecting appropriate computational approaches to deliver outputs.

Identify and elevate complex or uncertain issues appropriately, while proactively identifying opportunities to apply your expertise.

What You'll Bring

• Degree in a scientific, engineering or technical subject, together with a PhD or experience working in an academic or industrial research environment.
• Demonstrable experience in at least one modern programming language relevant to plasma modelling, such as C++, Fortran, Python or Julia.
• Familiarity with modern software engineering practices and the ability to independently develop efficient, comprehensible and maintainable code.
• Familiarity with common numerical methods used to simulate relevant physical systems, with an appetite and ability to learn and apply new technologies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical work to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to deliver projects to the required standards and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively within a diverse team while taking personal responsibility for specific aspects of work.

UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.

The role is currently advertised at Culham, but other UKAEA locations may also be considered.

Benefits

• A salary of £ 43,702 (inclusive of a £3,300 specialist allowance)
• Up to 7% corporate performance bonus
• Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus 2.5 privilege days; 8 Bank Holidays
• 3 days of site closure over Christmas break
• Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions

Our commitment to ED&I

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, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair represent