Physicist opportunities on the STEP programme

If you are a plasma physicist and want to be part of an exciting programme that aims to deliver fusion as a net-zero carbon energy source, we need you!

Engineer working on the MAST project

The UK Atomic Energy Authority’s mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise scientific and economic impact.

Do you want to work at the forefront of fusion research and technology, which could solve the world’s energy problems by providing a safe, sustainable and green energy source?

Do you want to be part of a unique international environment?

Come and join us on the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, an exciting and ambitious national endeavour.

You will work with a vibrant team in conjunction with industry to deliver a multi-billion project aiming for completion by the early 2040s. Successful delivery of the STEP fusion prototype power plant will pave the way for a fleet of commercial fusion plants.

MAST U Side View

What we’re looking for:

To help us achieve this aim, we are always on the lookout for physicists who hold, or be about to hold, a PhD in plasma physics or possess equivalent experience.

While we may look to recruit individuals who may be focused on plasma modelling in the high beta burning plasma domain of STEP, we are also keen to hear from candidates to work on plasma modelling and experiments on other fusion devices at Culham and internationally.

To register your interest for our physicist talent pool, click on the link below and submit the relevant details:

Please note that by registering your interest, your details will be held in a talent pool which may be reviewed for any future physicist vacancies as well as being notified of any future events taking place at UKAEA which may be of interest. You are not submitting an application for a specific role. If you wish to apply for individual roles, please check our vacancies page for a list of current opportunities.

UKAEA operates the new Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (“MAST”) Upgrade machine, which is the forerunner of STEP. UKAEA also hosts the Joint European Torus (“JET”), the only machine in the world owned by EU nations that can use both tritium and deuterium. UKAEA is strongly involved with ITER – the world’s largest fusion experiment, and the EUROfusion programme.

Find out more:

Please go to our job vacancies page to see the roles we’re offering and to apply.

Further details of the STEP programme can be found at www.step.ukaea.uk and more information about UKAEA’s wider work is available at www.gov.uk/ukaea.

current opportunities

Browse some of our current job vacancies below.

Engineering Manager (Magnet Development)

UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire or Rotherham, Yorkshire
I was excited by the opportunity for scientific research into an important problem for the world.
Mark Gilbert, UKAEA Head of Programme

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