Data Scientists

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 7%

Relocation allowance

Defined benefit pension

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave

Site closure 3 days at Christmas

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority seeks a senior AI/ML specialist focused on fusion science to lead advanced AI solutions and large language model deployments. You will work on secure data architectures, parallel GPU workflows, and integration with engineering products in a research environment.

The role demands a PhD with post-doctoral experience, publications, and strong programming skills in compiled languages or Python.

Qualifications

• PhD in computation/physics with AI/ML for fusion.
• Track record of publishing in AI for fusion or transferable areas.
• Experience with at least one compiled language (C++, Fortran, C, Rust) or advanced scripting (Python, Julia, R).
• Good UNIX/Linux command line experience and ability to work in diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop corporate AI solutions (e.g., MS Copilot, Gemini Enterprise).
• Ensure data privacy and comply with UK government regulations (Export Control, data sovereignty).
• Deploy large LLMs on parallel GPU architectures.
• Advance LLM applications: AI-assisted coding and engineering product integration.
• Work with knowledge graphs and graph-based retrieval systems.
• Port AI/ML models to control hardware with real-time workflows and FPGA porting.
• Optimize AI workflows on GPUs and port to specialized hardware (Nvidia GH200, AMD Mi300x, TPUs).
• Apply AI to digital engineering workflows and CAD/meshing tools.

Skills

C++

Fortran

C

Rust

Python

Julia

R

UNIX CLI

English (fluent)

Education

PhD in computational/ mathematical/ physical science

Post-Doctoral experience in AI/ML for fusion

Tools

Neo4j

GraphRAGs

Gmsh

CGAL

CUBIT

Ansys-PyPrimeMesh

Job description

About the Job

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 industryand research organisations to achieveground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the gridby developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

TheData Solutions Unit within UKAEA’s Computing Divisiondelivers innovative research, development, and specialist support across data engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, FAIR data architectures, high-performance computing, and advanced digital technologies. Working at the forefront of fusion research, the team develops secure, scalable data solutions that enable scientists and engineers to optimise their work, accelerate discovery, and support the development of future fusion technologies through collaboration with academia, industry, and partners across UKAEA.

What you’ll be Doing

Corporate AI solutions (MS-Copilot, Google Gemini Enterprise)

Data privacy/protection rules and UK government regulations (Export Control, regional Cloud deployment, data sovereignty)

Large LLM deployment on parallel GPU architectures

Advanced LLM applications (AI-assisted coding, LLM integration in engineering products)

Knowledge Graphs (Neo4j, GraphRAGs)

Advanced ControlSpecialist:

AI control methods (Reinforcement Learning, supervised learning, preference optimization)

Portability of AI/ML models onto control hardware (real-time workflows, compiled models, FPGA porting)

AI and HPCSpecialist:

Optimisation of AI workflows on parallel GPU architectures

Porting of AI workflows on specialised hardware (Nvidia GH200, AMD Mi300x, Google TPUs, AWS)

AI for Engineering applicationsSpecialist:

Application of AI to Digital Engineering workflows.

Open-source CAD software (FreeCAD, OpenSCAD, LibreCAD)

Proprietary Engineering software (Ansys, CATIA, Simulia, Siemens-NX)

CAD Meshing for simulations (Gmsh, CGAL, CUBIT, Ansys-PyPrimeMesh)

Transformers architectures

Fine-tuning and transfer learning

Scientific Foundation Models

What you’ll Bring

A PhD degree in a computational, mathematical or physical science discipline, with Post-Doctoral and professional experience (or equivalent experience in either a commercial or research environment), relevant to the area of AI/ML for fusion science.

Recognised internationally as an expert in the field of AI for fusion

Track record of publishing research in the area of AI for fusion, or a similar area of research with transferable knowledge to fusion science.

Demonstrable experience of at least one compiled programming language (e.g. C++, Fortran, C, Rust) or advanced scripting language (e.g. Python Julia, R)

Good experience of the UNIX operating system, particularly the command line interface

Ability to work within a diverse team, but willingness to take significant personal responsibility

Excellent written and spoken English

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.

We have a generous range of benefits (see the full listhere ) and highlights include:

A salary of £64,820(inclusive of a £6,500 specialist allowance)

Up to 7% corporate performance bonus

Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of21.5% employer pension contribution

25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 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 representation across our workforce.

Please [e-mail] if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit and further information can be foundhere .

Additional information

International travels for short periods of 3-5 days are typical of roles at this level, to nurture collaborations and attend key conferences and workshops in this area of research.

£64,820 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

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.
• bonus scheme up to 7%and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working optionsincluding family friendly policies.
• 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
• A vibrantculturecommitted to equality and being fullyinclusive

Browse some of our current job vacancies below.

What can I expect from the application process at UKAEA?

Once you have submitted a formal application via our website, all CVs will be reviewed shortly after the closing date of the advert.

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 realising 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: Innovation, Commitment, Trust, and Collaboration.