Head of JET and International Science

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 leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking 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

What to expect in our recruitment process:

For a step-by-step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page:

Job Description

The salary for this role is £91,173 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance) . Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.

This role is based at Culham, Oxfordshire

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) , including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

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 Head of JET and International Science, you will be a member of the senior leadership team of the Plasma Science and Fusion Operations Directorate, playing a pivotal role:

To manage the strategic direction and execution of the scientific programme of the UKAEA team working on the analysis of JET experiments and collaborations with international facilities to meet the Plasma Science and Fusion Operations Directorate and UKAEA's current and future programmes. You will plan and develop complementary work areas with UK University programmes and maximise engagement of international collaborators, especially EUROfusion.

To oversee and monitor the preparation, execution and reporting of all UKAEA's scientific work for JET data and international facilities, including the related analysis and modelling activities, to support the design and preparation of future power plants. You will manage and monitor the assigned budget for JET and International Science and assist the Executive Director in setting it.

To conduct your own research in the area and present and publish work as a lead author, to develop fusion energy and to enhance the reputation of UKAEA in the field.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrable experience and broad understanding of fusion work across a wide range of disciplines, particularly fusion experiments; several years' experience and deep understanding of working within the international fusion programme.
• Ability to lead, direct and motivate experts with diverse specialist knowledge in physics and engineering.
• Ability to think strategically, to anticipate and forestall problems, to take on new situations and propose and deliver new concepts to further fusion research.

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here

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.

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