UKAEA Research Fellow

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.

Job Description

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. Please note this role could be based at either our Culham or Rotherham site.

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 UKAEA 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 in Summer / Autumn 2026.

As part of your application, you will need to fill out a UKAEA Fusion Research Fellowship submission – download the template at
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Please include a 1-2 page personal statement of your research interests, a brief outline of your proposed 2-year research programme (no more than 2 pages) and a full CV including publications and awards. You will need to attach this completed document as one document when you apply.

If you have any difficulties downloading the template, or attaching the required document, please contact

Qualifications

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 of £42,858 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance).
• 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).

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here but highlights include:

• £42,858
• 21.5% pension contribution
• 30.5 days annual leave (25 plus 3 days over Christmas and 2.5 'privilege' days)
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Relocation assistance scheme

UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under-represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black
British
Caribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion 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.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.