Materials Deformation Simulation Specialist
Overview of Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- Degree educated in physics, materials science, engineering, computing, or related discipline.
- Proven/developing expert in simulations involving High Performance Computing, preferably in condensed matter theory or computational materials science.
- Track record of first author journal publications in career.
- Guiding and mentoring other staff within area of expertise.
Desirable
- PhD degree in condensed matter theory, computational materials science, or related discipline
- Long-term vision for fusion research needs in engineering materials science
- Fellowship or membership status, e.g. of IoP
- Lecturing experience
- Ability to communicate and influence other stakeholders effectively, especially post-holder’s equivalents in universities, international laboratories, etc.
- Interest and ability to supervise members of staff involved in related projects
As part of the application process, please submit your CV and cover letter. As part of the recruitment process, please be aware that we will need to obtain two professional references prior to issuing an offer.
Additional Information
A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
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, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.
UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
