MHD Computational Physicist

Job Description We are looking for a MHD Computational Physicist to support the UKAEA programme on plasma stability by developing and exploiting plasma MHD stability codes to understand plasma instabilities and to develop ways to avoid or minimise their negative effect on tokamak plasmas. Primary focus will be on the UKAEA’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project, with additional opportunity to contribute to studies on the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST‑U). Job duties include: Perform plasma stability calculations for scenarios proposed for the STEP device. Study means to control plasma instabilities, including Resistive Wall Modes, Error Fields and ELMs in STEP. Take part in MAST‑U MHD experiments and the analysis of data. Develop and extend models in MHD codes used by UKAEA to study plasma stability. Contribute to refereed journal articles and attend international conferences on magnetic fusion as agreed with management. Build a strong network of external collaborations. Qualifications Essential Requirements: PhD or equivalent level of experience in Physics or related area. Proficiency with programming languages such as C, FORTRAN, IDL, Python. Proven ability to conduct independent physics research. Good oral and written communication skills. Excellent team‑player with an outward‑facing work‑ethos. Desirable Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience with expertise in experimental physics. Experience developing and/or overseeing diagnostics systems in a complex scientific environment. Proficiency with data analysis software and IDL or Python languages. Professional approach to operation and safety. Ability to work effectively in a large team. Location & Working Conditions Location: Culham, Oxfordshire. Salary: £42,858 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days a week, with support for flexible working arrangements. Benefits Defined benefit pension scheme. Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7% and relocation allowance (if eligible). Flexible working options and family‑friendly policies. Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders. Generous annual leave (25 days + 3 days Christmas closure + 2.5 privilege days + UK bank holidays). Career development opportunities. Inclusive culture committed to equality. Additional Information UKAEA is committed to clean energy for all and welcomes talented people from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from women in STEM, Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds, and Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require adjustments to compete fairly. Vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if a large number of applications is received. #J-18808-Ljbffr