Microwave Heating and Current Drive Physicist

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 ground-breaking 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: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA, you will benefit from:

- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.

- 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 allowance starting with 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 being fully inclusive.

Job Description

The salary for this role is £42,858. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.

This role is 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 Microwave Heating and Current Drive Physicist, you will play a pivotal role in developing theoretical models of microwave plasma interaction and designing and implementing experiments to test theoretical predictions.

Key Accountabilities:

- Develop theoretical models for microwave-plasma interaction, with a particular focus on Electron Bernstein Wave interaction.

- Design, plan and execute experiments to test theoretical predictions.

- Develop diagnostics specific to microwave-plasma interaction.

- Publish research in peer reviewed journals.

- Publicise work internally, and at national and international conferences.

- Participate actively in collaborations with external partners.

Qualifications

Essential:

- PhD in plasma physics.

- Strong track record in publishing research in the area of microwave-plasma interaction.

- Experience with Electron Bernstein Waves is desired.

- Experience presenting material at international conferences.

- Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, and ability to interact with various stakeholders (wider physics team, MAST-U management, external collaborators etc.).

Your career development as a scientist will be strongly supported, including working towards chartership with the Institute of Physics.

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