Instrumentation Scientist Diagnostician

Overview

Tokamak Energy has designed, constructed and operated ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak. The measurement of electron temperature and density profiles using the Thomson scattering system is fundamental to achieving the ambitious scientific mission of ST40.

The successful candidate will take a hands-on role with day-to-day responsibility for the running and maintenance of the Thomson scattering (TS) laser beamline hardware and software as well as participating in ST40 experimental campaigns in the role of Thomson scattering operator. They will have responsibility for beamline characterisation and monitoring and for developing and improving the beamline and existing monitoring tools. The successful candidate may also have the opportunity to contribute to other diagnostics projects to support current or future ST40 experimental campaigns.

Requirements

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day running and maintenance of the laser beamline hardware and software for the ST40 TS diagnostic system
• Lead the planning, procurement and implementation of upgrades to the beamline hardware
• Work closely with the LabVIEW team to maintain, test and upgrade beamline software
• Participate in ST40 experimental campaigns in the role of TS operator
• Support other aspects of TS work as required
• Perform routine maintenance of the Class 4 TS laser system, arrange and facilitate service visits by the laser supplier
• Undertake Laser Safety training in line with the company policy and contribute to keeping TS system Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures up to date
• Coordinate with the Facilities team to support routine testing and maintenance of safety systems and services within the TS laser room
• Interface regularly with other ST40 groups and other members of the DDC team (e.g. Technical Engineering Group, Electrical Systems, Design Team)

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelors or Masters level education in Physics/Engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience in hands on troubleshooting in a physics laboratory environment
• Experience of working with optics and/or lasers
• Experience working with EM detectors (e.g. photodiodes, PSDs, scientific cameras)
• Experience with testing and debugging the interface between specialist software and scientific instrumentation
• Willingness to learn fast, collaborate and work in a team

Desirable

• Experience working on a large-scale plasma device or similar large-scale facility
• Experience of working with Class 3B/4 laser systems
• Use of Python (or similar) for scientific analysis or control
• Experience of being responsible for an area / (sub)system
• Experience of procurement and working with specialist suppliers

Benefits

Benefits & Culture

• Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 28 days (inclusive of festive break) holiday plus bank holidays
• Eligible for discretionary performance related bonus
• Share options scheme
• Pension scheme
• Financial benefits – including; group life insurance, critical illness, health cash plan and discount scheme 
• Innovation and Merit bonuses
• Investment in training and development to support career progression
• Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

• Regular manual handling
• Working with or in the vicinity of class 3B or 4 lasers
• Working with ionising radiation
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields
• Working at height (ladders, scissor lifts, cherry pickers & scaffolding)
• Work in hot or cold environments
• Working with electricity (LV & HV, operators must prove competence prior to use)
• Work with or in the vicinity of cryogenic fluids including liquid nitrogen
• Working with materials that are managed under the control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH)

Company background

What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security?  What if that energy source could also help address climate change?  The answer is fusion energy – the power of the stars. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford with have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion.

In addition to fusion, Tokamak Energy is recognised as a world leader in transformative High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on enabling new levels of performance and becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets, including renewable energy, medicine, science and propulsion in water, land, air and space. 

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from UK Atomic Energy Authority, currently employs a growing team of over 260 people with experts from the UK and around the world.  It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities.  The company has more than 75 families of patent applications and has raised $335 million, comprising $275m from private investors and $60m from the UK and U.S. governments.  Our U.S. subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable fusion energy for all.

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.