Laser Scientist - Fusion Laser Driver Development UPLiFT

Contract Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (with the intent to extend to 3 years)

Location: STFC - Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE

Come and discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Central Laser Facility (CLF), at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, to work on the UK Programme of Laser Inertial Fusion Technology for Energy (UPLiFT). This is a 4 year £10M research programme funded by the UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. UPLiFT’s goal is to develop key science and technologies which will be required to realise power generation via laser driven inertial fusion energy (IFE). The successful candidate will be a member of a large multi-disciplinary team working on UPLiFT’s Laser Development work package.

We are seeking to develop an efficient, high energy laser driver concept, with the potential to provide a low-cost solution to meet the requirements of a future power plant. The work package is tasked to deliver a practical demonstration of key component technology for development of a prototype laser driver, with the capability of delivering an efficient (>10%) source of high energy pulses at 10 pulse per second. Technologies will be based on diode-pumped solid state master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) laser chains utilising CLF developed DiPOLE multi-slab amplifier technology. Architectures will need to be able to provide the required bandwidth and scalability to meet the requirements of a future laser-driven IFE power plant.

CLF contains many state-of-the-art laser systems and experimental stations, along with expert scientists, engineers and technicians that work with academic and industry users to deliver science across a broad range of fields. We have around 200 staff and are a very friendly, outgoing, externally facing department. We have a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.

About the Role:

You will join the Centre for Advanced Laser Technologies and Applications (CALTA) team and support the UPLiFT project developing new laser driver designs, building prototype systems, and conducting experimental test campaigns. You will be working closely with a team of laser scientists and engineers, and will engage with the wider UPLiFT team to understand the implications of fusion physics and targetry design on laser driver specifications. You will also engage with external experts and collaborators in the UK and around the world to gain knowledge and to enhance the research capabilities of the group. You will have the opportunity to present your research at international conferences and publish in high profile peer-reviewed journals.

The key areas of the role include:

• Contributing to the optical design of a new laser driver concept, performing optical modelling of subsystems, and defining prototype specifications.
• Supporting modelling activities, including laser energetics and thermal management (CFD & FE) models, to predict system performance and aid design down selection.
• Undertaking proof-of-concept tests to de-risk key component technologies.
• Working with external suppliers and contractors to determine existing capabilities and future requirements, and supporting development of collaborative links with external facilities.
• Working as part a team liaising with engineers to design key mechanical equipment for prototype testing.
• Build and testing of prototype components in laser laboratory to demonstrate effectiveness of designs.
• Contributing to a concept design for a laser driver suitable for scaling to meet the requirements of a future IFE power plant in collaboration with wider UPLiFT project.

About You:

You will have a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, as well as experience in a relevant scientific area with a record of independent research or autonomous thinking. You should have knowledge of laser and optical science. You will ideally be familiar with solid state laser systems and their design, and nonlinear optics.

You will have knowledge of modelling or simulation techniques and their application to the design of laser systems.

With good interpersonal skills you should have the ability to work as part of a team of individuals with a varying range of knowledge and experience.

Person Specification

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

• A degree in physics or a closely related subject (or equivalent experience). (S)
• Experience in aligning and working with lasers or optical systems (or equivalent relevant experience). (S&I)
• Good knowledge of optics and laser physics. (S&I)
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques to compare modelling and experimental results. (I)
• Able to work as part of a team and seek novel solutions to problems. (I)
• Competence with MATLAB and/or LabView. (I)

Additional Information:

The role involves working in a laser laboratory.

For more information about the role, please visit www.clf.stfc.ac.uk or contact paul.mason@stfc.ac.uk

Our Benefits:

UK Research and Innovation recognises and values employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, Defined benefit pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.

Join us and discover what’s possible!

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.