Fast Particle Physicist

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; Hybrid; GBP 38,572 - 47,143; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave starting at 25 days

Career development opportunities

Job summary

A leading energy research organization in Culham is looking for a Fast Particle Physicist to take on significant responsibilities in the MAST-U project. This role demands a PhD in experimental plasma physics and proficiency in programming. Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension plan, and a vibrant culture committed to equality. Applications welcome from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• PhD-level knowledge required for experimental plasma physics.
• Proficiency necessary in FORTRAN, C, IDL, Python, Matlab.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills emphasized.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the MAST-U Fast Ion Loss Detector.
• Plan and propose experiments in MAST-U physics campaigns.
• Analyze results from MAST-U physics experiments.
• Report findings at progress meetings and conferences.

Skills

PhD-level knowledge of experimental plasma physics

Proficiency with programming languages (FORTRAN, C, IDL, Python, Matlab)

Good oral and written communication skills

Ability to interact with physicists

Ability to conduct independent research

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

IDL

Python

Matlab

Job description

Job Description

The salary for this role is £42,858 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days a week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.

The role will be based in 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.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As a Fast Particle Physicist, you will be the Responsible Officer (RO) for the MAST‑U Fast Ion Loss Detector and contribute to the scientific exploitation of MAST‑U and to work packages coordinated by EUROfusion.

Additional Responsibilities

• Take leading role in the development and scientific exploitation of the MAST‑U Fast Ion Loss Detector (FILD).
• Responsible for proposing and planning experiments in MAST‑U physics campaigns.
• Participate in the execution of experiments and analysis of results from MAST‑U physics campaigns.
• Propose research projects and lead and/or contribute to fusion research carried out through work packages coordinated by EUROfusion.
• Responsible for reporting results at science and other regular internal and/or external progress meetings.
• Disseminate results through conferences and peer reviewed journal papers.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• PhD-level knowledge of experimental plasma physics.
• Proficiency with commonly‑used programming languages, e.g. FORTRAN, C, IDL, Python, Matlab.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to interact with physicists and understand their requirements.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent team‑player with an outward facing work ethos, working closely with scientists worldwide.

Desirable

• Experience in experimental studies of fast particles in tokamak plasmas.
• Experience developing sophisticated data analysis codes in high level languages, e.g. IDL and Python, using curve fitting, error propagation and tomographic reconstruction.
• Experience using fast particle modelling codes.
• Strong record of publications in a closely related field.

Benefits

• 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 starting at 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and fully inclusive.

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found at https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [e-mail] if you have any questions or require adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

UKAEA welcomes talented people from all backgrounds and encourages applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds, and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.