About us
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 realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the Job
The Data Solutions Unit within UKAEA’s Computing Division delivers innovative research, development, and specialist support across data engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, FAIR data architectures, high-performance computing, and advanced digital technologies. Working at the forefront of fusion research, the team develops secure, scalable data solutions that enable scientists and engineers to optimise their work, accelerate discovery, and support the development of future fusion technologies through collaboration with academia, industry, and partners across UKAEA.
This is an opportunity to shape the future application of artificial intelligence in fusion research, working at the intersection of AI, HPC, and scientific discovery. As part of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning team, you will provide research leadership in the application of AI/ML to complex fusion challenges. You will lead multidisciplinary research programmes, collaborate with international experts, and develop innovative solutions using advanced computing environments, including High-Performance Computing (HPC). With significant autonomy, you will influence research direction, develop new opportunities, publish impactful research, and represent UKAEA as a leading voice in AI-enabled fusion research.
We are looking for someone with:
Experience developing and scaling AI/ML workflows across High Performance Computing (HPC) and cloud environments using technologies such as SLURM, Ray, Horovod, Kubeflow, and Docker.
Knowledge of FAIR data principles, data governance, and data engineering practices to support robust, scalable, and reproducible research.
What You’ll Be Doing
Apply expert judgement to influence research strategy, manage technical risks, evaluate solutions, and support high-impact decision making.
Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, provide expert advice, publish research outcomes, and represent UKAEA through national and international collaborations.
Lead and inspire multidisciplinary research teams, mentoring emerging talent and building capability across AI, machine learning, and scientific computing.
Manage complex projects, partnerships, resources, and funding opportunities to deliver impactful research outcomes.
What You’ll Bring
PhD (or equivalent experience) in a computational, mathematical, physical science, or related discipline, with significant research or industry experience.
Proven experience leading research teams, managing complex projects, resources, and external collaborations.
Advanced programming experience in compiled or scripting languages (e.g. C++, Fortran, Rust, Julia, Python, or R) with strong UNIX/Linux experience.
Knowledge of relevant standards, governance frameworks, data principles, and regulatory requirements.
UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.
Benefits
We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here) and highlights include:
Our commitment to ED&I
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.
We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit and
Additional information
International travels for short periods of 3-5 days are typical of roles at this level, to nurture collaborations and attend key conferences and workshops in this area of research.
