The salary for this role is £48,290 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for a minimum of 3 days a week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.
This role will be based at 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
We are seeking a research scientist to develop advanced High-Performance Computing (HPC) models to support the design and operation of future fusion energy systems, focusing on predicting deformation and irradiation effects in advanced metallic and ceramic materials.
You will apply microscopic and finite element simulation methods to study material behaviour under extreme conditions such as irradiation, high temperature, and mechanical stress, using large-scale atomistic and finite element simulations on national and international supercomputing facilities to develop predictive models of damage, deformation, and gas transport in fusion reactor components.
If you are keen to contribute to cutting-edge fusion research, this role offers the opportunity to work within the EPSRC/EUROfusion research programme and collaborate with colleagues across UKAEA to advance the application of computational materials science in support of the safe and reliable operation of future tokamak reactors.
We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in computational materials science, irradiation effects in materials, solid mechanics, or related disciplines, who are interested in applying advanced modelling techniques to address complex fusion energy challenges.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Advance UKAEA’s research in complex materials modelling using finite element simulations to predict engineering-relevant properties and assess material behaviour in fusion environments.
- Apply computational methods including density functional theory and atomistic force fields to study material evolution under fusion-relevant conditions.
- Extend research activity to non-fusion applications to broaden impact and application of modelling approaches.
- Contribute to and support international collaborations involving multiple partner countries.
- Develop new cross-disciplinary collaborations in materials and engineering simulation to strengthen UKAEA’s international position.
- Produce high-quality scientific outputs, including conference presentations and first-author journal publications.
- Contribute primarily to the EPSRC/EUROfusion research programme while collaborating with wider UKAEA programmes.
