By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping 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.

H3AT is a Department within UKAEA that is involved in projects which are varied and typically involve the maintenance and enhancement of a world class fusion device as well as developing new facilities that advance enabling technologies for the international market in fusion development.

You will work within the Tritium Innovation Unit, who are responsible for operating, maintaining and upgrading the Active Gas Handling System (AGHS), which recycles hydrogen isotopes and detritiates from the exhaust of the Joint European Torus (JET) on a continuous cycle.

Who are we looking for?

The Lead Analytical Scientist will play a key role in new developments of future fusion devices. You will be expected to plan, execute and report on analytical investigations as well as providing support to the Group Leader in the development and operation of Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) equipment.

As Lead Analytical Scientist you will need to have had the experience of effectively leading and managing a small team. Having a practical hands-on understanding of analytical hardware and the ability to design bespoke equipment is also important for this role, as is the need to collaborate with industry and academia. 

This is excellent opportunity to add to your publication record, whilst presenting both nationally and internationally.  

What will you be responsible for?

• Technical knowledge and performing measurement and analysis tasks as well as designing new equipment.
• Leading activities and teams in the design and development of bespoke equipment.
• Collaboration with industry, academia and scientific partners.
• Planning activities and management of staff for maintenance operations
• Interpret regulations and national safety requirements relevant to safe design and operations.
• Manage staff, their professional development and performance.
• Champion and share best practice, promote respect, inclusion, and opportunity across UKAEA.

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• PhD or master’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent qualification
• Proven work experience and track record of designing bespoke equipment. 
• Proven track record of delivering technical work on time.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Line management experience
• Self-motivation with a strong ability to work as part of a team and independently when required
• A record of publication or promoting your work to the wider field.

Desirable skills, experience and competence

• Experience in attending and presenting talks at National and International conferences
• Experience in project planning.
• Chartered by a professional body desirable.

National and International travel may be required, shift work maybe required in support of operations, and you may work in radioactive areas.

What we offer

• A competitive salary  
• A culture committed to being fully inclusive, supported by a Being Inclusive Strategy and Inclusion Ambassadors 
• An Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, with a full calendar of health and wellbeing initiatives 
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies  
• Emergency leave (paid) 
• 30.5 days annual leave (including privilege days and 3 days between Christmas and New Year) increased with length of service 
• Wide range of career development opportunities (e.g professional registration, internal promotions, coaching and mentoring programme)  
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme  
• Annual corporate bonus scheme  
• 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, (visible and hidden) and women. Our dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner, with the support of our Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the organisation to help make our organisation an employer of choice. We are easily accessible by car and are a 10 minute walk from Culham Railway Station.  

Please be advised that this vacancy is due to close on 16/08/2021 . 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 (convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) or will confirm that there are no such convictions.