Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research

STEP Fusion; Retford; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fusion energy organization in the UK seeks a Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research to spearhead advancements in high-performance computing and simulation techniques to support the STEP mission. You will be responsible for shaping a research programme that influences the future of fusion energy. Candidates must have a PhD and proven leadership skills in complex research environments.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• Proven world-leading leadership in high-performance computing for science or engineering.
• Experience leading complex, cross-organisational research programmes.
• Expertise in multi‑physics simulation and surrogate modelling (AI/ML for real‑time control).
• Experience leading complex, cross‑organisational research programmes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to responsible innovation and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a strategically critical research programme on computational science.
• Define and deliver a decadal roadmap for research aligned with STEP's delivery needs.
• Collaborate with UKAEA and engineering partners for effective integration.
• Support Virtual STEP development through surrogate modelling, uncertainty quantification, and integrated simulation frameworks.
• Collaborate with plasma and materials leads to align computational tools with evolving needs.
• Partner with Engineering leadership to ensure interoperability and strategic alignment.
• Build collaborations with UKAEA and external partners; foster a one‑team culture.
• Define measurable targets and manage budgets and workforce planning.

Skills

High-performance computing

Leadership

AI and machine learning

Cross-organisational teamwork

Simulation expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Responsible innovation

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

High-performance computing systems

Job description

Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research

Join to apply for the Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research role at STEP Fusion

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

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

For more information on UKIFS, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

The role will be based at West Burton Power Station with onsite working expected for 3 days each week.

Closing date to apply: 12 September.

The Role

We are seeking an internationally recognised Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research to lead a newly established, strategically critical research programme. Reporting directly to the Director for Science and Technology, you will shape and deliver a decadal vision for how advances in high-performance computing, simulation, and AI can be harnessed to support the STEP mission. You will work in close partnership with UKAEA, our Whole Plant Partners, and the Engineering Delivery Directorate to ensure that STEP benefits from the most advanced computational tools and techniques available. This is a rare opportunity to lead a world-class, delivery-driven research programme that will define the digital backbone of the UK’s fusion future.

Key Focus

Computational Science and Engineering Research (CSER)

Your programme will:

• Advance Simulation Capabilities: Develop scalable, high-fidelity models to predict plasma and materials behaviour in fusion conditions.
• Enable Engineering Integration: Support the creation of “Virtual STEP”—a digital twin of the prototype plant for design, qualification, and operation.
• Leverage Emerging Technologies: Harness AI, machine learning, and next-generation hardware to accelerate innovation and reduce technical risk.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Programme Leadership

• Define and deliver a decadal roadmap for computational science and engineering research aligned with STEP’s delivery needs.
• Identify high-impact areas where simulation can reduce risk, optimise design, and support regulatory compliance.
• Lead a cross-organisational team spanning UKAEA, industrial partners, and academia.

Technical Innovation & Integration

• Support the development of Virtual STEP through innovations in surrogate modelling, uncertainty quantification, and integrated simulation frameworks.
• Collaborate with plasma and materials science leads to ensure computational tools meet their evolving needs.
• Partner with the Head of Engineering – Computing, Modelling and Simulation to ensure interoperability and strategic alignment.

Partnerships & Influence

• Act as the primary interface for computational research with UKAEA and future Engineering and Construction Partners.
• Build a robust network of collaborators across academia, industry, and government.
• Promote a “one-team” culture across diverse partner organisations.

Programme Management

• Define measurable targets that demonstrate continual benefit to STEP throughout design, construction, and operation.
• Develop and manage the programme budget, ensuring delivery to cost and schedule.
• Provide strategic workforce planning and grow the team across partner organisations.

Innovation & Economic Impact

Foster a culture of innovation and responsible research. Manage intellectual property to maximise commercial value while supporting open collaboration. Encourage publication of patents and research outputs, and explore cross-sector applications.

Leadership & Culture

• Embody UKIFS values and leadership behaviours.
• Inspire and motivate multidisciplinary teams across multiple organisations.
• Promote a culture of psychological safety, inclusion, and professional development.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• Proven world-leading leadership in high-performance computing for science or engineering.
• Deep understanding of emerging hardware (e.g. exascale, GPU, quantum) and their application to simulation.
• Expertise in multi-physics simulation and surrogate modelling (e.g. AI/ML for real-time control).
• Experience leading complex, cross-organisational research programmes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to responsible innovation and safety standards.

Beneficial Experience

• Research experience in a commercial environment.
• Understanding of fusion energy R&D challenges.
• Leadership within large, delivery-driven projects.
• Experience with IP generation and digital design methodologies.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the digital future of fusion energy and lead a programme that will have lasting scientific, technological, and societal impact. Join us in delivering a legacy of sustainable, secure, and commercially viable fusion power.

Additional Information

For more information on UKIFS visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Our Executive team and EDI Networks promote inclusion and diversity in recruitment and selection.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including DBS checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open-source data.

For overseas applicants, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. If your country is not listed, we cannot process your application.

Vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if necessary. We invite you to view other opportunities at Careers - STEP.