Research Scientist (Tritium)
Abingdon Rd, Culham, UK
Full-time
Department: H3AT
Salary: £36,397 to £52,293 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Confirmed Grade: Level 4 / Level 5
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire

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.

As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values that capture the spirit of how we work. These values include being: Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative.

Job Description

Who are we looking for?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Scientist to apply knowledge and experience to creating solutions for systems exposed to some of the harshest environments possible. Forming part of the Innovation Unit within The Hydrogen-3 Advanced Technology department, you will be responsible for developing and leading complex projects, including the advancement of tritium experiments and process plants in collaboration with UK industry, academia and national institutes. You will also support H3AT delivery of commercial activities, tritium technology R&D and fuel cycle research.

You’ll also be able to demonstrate experience of multi-disciplinary research, R&D or industry-based programmes. You will also need to have knowledge of developing complex equipment, alongside leadership abilities and excellent communication and interpersonal skills is key to this role.

To be eligible for this role you will need to hold a degree or equivalent level in Physics, Chemistry. If you possess any of the above and would like a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

What will you be responsible for?

- Driving projects that may cover low Technology Readiness Level concept development through to working with Commercial-off-the-shelf products and to life extension of installations
- Research into fusion fuel cycle fundamental behaviours, components, and systems
- Supporting/leading, planning, delivery and evaluation of complex experimental projects that address prototyping and verification of experimental systems and plants and the effects of harsh environments on performance
- Proposing, secure funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. EUROFUSION PPPT, Enabling Research, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduate placements, Horizon 2020)
- Working with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields) creating links to complement UKAEA's internal capability, offer access to additional expert knowledge and to facilitate new project proposals

Please note that you may be required to work in Beryllium and Radiation controlled areas. All necessary training and registration for this will be provided, although a basic understanding of radiological hazards is desirable. You may be required to support JET operational activities on an occasional basis.

Qualifications

Essential skills, experience and competence required

- Degree or higher in Chemistry, Physics, Nuclear, Material science, or similar
- Highly self-motivated and demonstrates initiative with a strong ability to work as part of a team
- Demonstrated experience in implementation of specialist science / engineering skills
- Capable of defining, structuring, and delivering projects, and to manage delivery of their own work
- Must be responsible and have structured approach to safety, including hazard identification, risk assessments and hazard elimination and mitigation
- Demonstrates the capability to question existing scientific models and able to express themselves clearly through high quality written communication delivered in a timely manner
- Good interpersonal and communication skills

Desirable skills, experience and competence

- Experience of overseeing technicians, junior staff and/or students
- A basic understanding of radiological hazards
- Proven track record of proactively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion at work
- Enthusiasm and appreciation of the importance of continuous professional development
- Professional membership status desirable
- Possession or progress towards accreditation with a professional body (e.g. CPhys, CSci, CEng)

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, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities, (visible and hidden) and women. The Executive Team with support from our EDI ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success. We are easily accessible by car and are a 10-minute walk from Culham Railway Station in Oxfordshire.

Please be advised that this vacancy is due to close on 16/01/2023. We may close earlier than this date if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.

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.

Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit the UK Government website. If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.