UKAEA Fusion Research Fellow

  • Full-time
  • Salary: £34,000 to £37,000 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
  • Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
  • Confirmed Grade: Level 4 (Fellowship)
  • Department: EPSERC Fusion Grant Department

Company Description

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.

Who are we looking for?

If you are an outstanding scientist or engineer who has recently completed a doctorate or expects to complete a doctorate in the next few months and you want to be part of a vibrant research programme to develop nuclear fusion as an energy source for future generations, this may be an excellent opportunity for you.

Each year the UK Atomic Energy Authority aims to appoint outstanding scientists or engineers who have recently completed a doctorate to a two-year research fellowship in any field of fusion research conducted at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE). Candidates need to be highly motivated and show initiative.

Job Description

Research Programme

Fellows have a high degree of autonomy and are expected to define their own research programme, which should be aligned with the interests of UKAEA. The quality of the research project proposal, together with the skills and experience of the candidate, are key factors in the selection process. Since academic excellence is one of the selection criteria, it is recommended candidates mention significant prizes or other recognition in their application.

Managed and/or self-directed personal training and career development at Culham and elsewhere will be available and there will be opportunities for conference attendance and involvement in scientific outreach activities. Periods of overseas placements with our collaborators will be encouraged. The appointments will be two-year fixed term staff positions. Successful candidates will be expected to take up their appointments by Summer 2022.

Application process

As part of the application process, you must download the template (titled CFRF Submission Document) which can be found at https://ccfe.ukaea.uk/careers/fellowships-phd-and-msc-opportunities/ 

-This single document (with the specified documentation incorporated) must then be uploaded to your submission at the point where you are asked to upload a CV. The document requires a short (1-2 page) personal statement of your research interests and a brief outline of your proposed 2-year research programme (no more than 2 pages).

- You will also need to upload a full CV (including publications)

If you have any difficulties downloading the template, or attaching the required document, please contact [email protected].

Applicants should also arrange for at least two referees to write to [email protected] by the closing date (in the subject line referees should enter "CFRF candidate reference - candidate surname"). Candidates are responsible for ensuring that references arrive on time and should give referees enough time to respond.

Qualifications

Essential skills, experience and competence required

  • A good degree in physics, engineering, materials science or other relevant subject
  • A relevant PhD preferably in fusion research
  • A record of peer-reviewed publication in high quality journals
  • A high degree of motivation and initiative
  • Good written and oral communication skills

Desirable skills, experience and competence

  • Involvement in scientific outreach activities
  • Experience of working as part of a team

Additional Information

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 increased with length of service (including privilege days and 3 days between Christmas and New Year) plus bank holidays
  • 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, particular 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 17/12/2021 . We may close earlier than this date if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.

We are hoping to carry out interviews in late January/early February 2022. Exact dates will be communicated with you if you are shortlisted for interview.

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.

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