Senior Plasma Diagnostician – Spectroscopy
Overview of Responsibilities
Who are we looking for
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated physicist to join our team, carrying out and interpreting spectroscopic measurements of tokamak plasmas to help us design the fusion power plants of the future. You will be responsible for operating, maintaining and developing spectroscopy-based plasma diagnostics – instruments which measure and assess the properties and behaviour of the plasma – as well as contributing to the broader scientific research programme by taking part in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. You will have post-doctoral level research experience in spectroscopy, atomic physics and data analysis. Experience in a fusion research environment would be an advantage but is not essential.
What will you be responsible for
- Operating, maintaining, and calibrating the diagnostics, ensuring the reliable delivery of high-quality raw data to the central data systems
- Reviewing the technical status of diagnostics, proposing, and leading any identified refurbishments
- Maintenance and enhancement of the associated analysis software (codes and tools) as required, including codes used for automatic inter-shot analysis
- Performing validation of data quality and maintenance of calibration records. Ensuring the routine availability of high-quality analysed and validated data from the diagnostics
- Creating and maintaining appropriate documentation for all hardware and software, including safety-related material
- Being alert to opportunities and scope for major upgrades to the hardware and software of the diagnostics. Making proposals for such upgrades and being prepared to lead the development and implementation of approved proposals
- Occasional shift work may be required in support of tokamak operations
Qualifications
Essential skills, experience and competence required
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in experimental physics
- Post-doctoral level research experience in spectroscopy, with relevant journal publications
- Proven ability to conduct independent research and carry out in-depth analysis of experimental data
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good team player with the ability to work effectively as part of a group
- Fluency in one or more programming languages (e.g., IDL/Python/Fortran)
- Ability to work in a regulated safety and QA environment.
- Ability to show initiative and manage projects as required.
Desirable skills, experience and competence
- Familiarity with Linux/UNIX systems
- Knowledge of general tokamak physics.
Additional Information
What we offer
Our comprehensive benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergency paid leave, Generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service, wide range of career development opportunities, outstanding defined benefit pension scheme; Corporate bonus scheme and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women. The Executive team with support from our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success.
Please be advised that this vacancy is due to close on 3/3/2023. We may close earlier than this date if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.
Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance – The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions or will confirm that there are no such convictions.
Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.
