Senior Plasma Operations Expert

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fusion energy organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Plasma Operations Expert to lead plasma operations activities in the research sector. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in physics and possess extensive experience in tokamak operations. The role includes collaboration on international projects and offers a comprehensive benefits package including a competitive salary, flexible working, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields.
• Experience with tokamak operations.
• Understanding of fusion physics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in plasma operations and physics.
• Lead control systems as Responsible Officer.
• Operate fusion devices in control room roles.

Skills

Tokamak operations

Fusion physics

Independent research

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in physics or fusion-related engineering

Job description

Overview

Senior Plasma Operations Expert – Culham, UK. Full-time role with a salary of £56,596 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus benefits. Division: Plasma Science and Fusion Operations. Department: Plasma Physics. Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire. Confirmed Grade: Level 5.

Company Description

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. We valueInnovation, Commitment, Trust and Collaboration. As an employee, you will benefit from a range of generous rewards and development opportunities.

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
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave: 25 days + 3 days Christmas closure + 2.5 privilege days, plus UK bank holidays
• Career development opportunities
• Inclusive culture with equality and diversity commitments

Job Description

The salary for this role is £56,596 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 4 days each week; flexible working requests are supported. This role is based at Culham, Oxfordshire.

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

The Role

As Senior Plasma Operations Expert, you will play a pivotal role in plasma operations activities for present and future fusion devices, including fusion power plants.

Key Accountabilities:

• Conduct and lead research in plasma operations and plasma physics within experimental campaigns in UKAEA programmes (e.g., MAST-U) and international facilities.
• Act as Responsible Officer for control or protection systems in present or future devices, as required.
• Be a member of appropriate forums as an expert in plasma operations.
• Operate fusion devices in control room roles.
• Contribute to design and development activities for existing and new devices (e.g., STEP), influencing the direction and execution of plasma operations with deep subject-matter expertise.
• Support UKAEA’s corporate strategy by providing plasma operations expertise and leading activities where appropriate.
• Collaborate with national and international partners to support the fusion programme as a plasma operations expert.
• Lead and work with internal and external collaborators as required.
• Manage plasma operations activities as needed, forecasting scientific needs, planning resources, preparing rosters, and delivering reports to panels and committees, including coordinating pools of control room staff and organising training.
• Participate in experimental programmes (e.g., WPTE EUROfusion) as part of experimental teams.

Qualifications

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics or a fusion-related engineering field
• Experience of tokamak operations in a fusion device
• Good understanding of fusion physics
• Experience operating a tokamak in a control room role
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and lead research teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication and influencing skills
• A good team player with experience working in national and international teams

Additional Information

For a full list of benefits and to apply, select the apply button to be taken through to the UKAEA careers pages. UKAEA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments to compete fairly, please contact the talent team.

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