Computational Scientist (FTA)

Overview of Responsibilities

The role is aiming for a starting date of Sept/Oct 2025 & the role can be based at any of the following sites: 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.

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 Computational Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in solving kinetic equations with a specific emphasis on particle-based methods for implementation of collision operators. The candidate will need an excellent knowledge of the mathematics of kinetic theory as well as good software development skills and ideally a knowledge of uncertainty quantification approaches. The successful candidate will work on development of novel collision operator schemes, implementation of these schemes in UKAEA software and evaluation of their performance. This role is a 1-year Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) which will involve collaboration with specialists from the Oxford Mathematics Institute.  

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Development of mathematical tools for accurate solution of kinetic equations with a particular focus on tools for modelling collisions. 
  • Implementation of developed methodologies in code. 
  • Performance of detailed code analysis including evaluation of key performance metrics. 
  • Definition of test cases for any new code development. 
  • Development of uncertainty quantification schemes for robust prediction. 
  • Contribute to reporting results and outreach work within and outside the organisation. 
  • Collaborate with national and international partners in evolving codes to exploit peta- and exa-scale systems. 
  • Work with academic and commercial partners to evaluate and exploit novel computing architectures for use within the community. 
Salary
£40,609 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Programme
UK FUSION RESEARCH
Department
Computational Science and Engineering
Discipline
Type of Employment
Full-time
Reference Number
REF2893J

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

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

Benefits 

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 7and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
  • Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
  • 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
A group of staff having lunch outside at the Culham restaurant

current opportunities

Browse some of our current job vacancies below.

Technical Coordinator

UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire

Materials Scientist

UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire

What can I expect from the application process at UKAEA?

Once you have submitted a formal application via our website, all CVs will be reviewed shortly after the closing date of the advert.

  • Submit online application

  • Phone interview

  • Face-to-face or virtual interview

  • Other assessments

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing 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 are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow's fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid.

As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values that capture the spirit of how we work. These values include being: Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative.

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