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 leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. 
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, 
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive

The salary for this role is £52,293 (inclusive of a Market Premium Payment (MPP)

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Senior Materials Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in focus on the development of novel fusion-relevant steel alloys within the MSE team. The role is for a fixed term appointment of 3 years, with a performance-based option for 6 month extension.

The role will be primarily based at the University of Manchester, with occasional time spent at the Culham site.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in UKAEA’s research programs on materials for fusion. Organise, support and coordinate short- and long-term projects, arranging specimen/data procurement, scope of work, funding and resources for sample preparation, testing, modelling.
• Deliver high quality, novel research or engineering in the field of nuclear materials through own endeavour and creative input.
• Compile and present results within technical reports, at scientific conferences and through publication of high-quality research articles.
• Work with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields) in order to complement UKAEA's internal capability.
• Contribute to the development and positive reinforcement of UKAEA’s knowledge base, design rules and practices in the area of materials & nuclear physics research and development.
• Contribute to bids for and delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates).
• Propose, secure funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion PPPT Enabling Research, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates).

Essential Requirements:

• Degree in material science or equivalent. 
• Excellent skills in microstructural characterisation, particularly via transmission electron microscopy
• Post graduate research in materials science demonstrated either through work experience in the materials field in industry, or a MSc / PhD degree.
• Research experience in nuclear materials science and/or in steel alloy development.  Research experience with materials damaged by radiation.

Desirable

• Research experience in nuclear materials science and/or in steel alloy development.
• Research experience with materials damaged by radiation.
• Experience in a range of mechanical testing and microstructural assessment techniques.
• Understanding of key fusion-relevant materials and manufacturing and assembly challenges.
• Experience of materials selection/justification in previous projects.
• Experience of writing research proposals and/ or project planning.
• Data management experience.

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.