Plasma Control Physicist

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 reduce climate change?  We believe that’s fusion energy.  Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford, UK.  We have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion energy. 

In addition to fusion energy, Tokamak Energy is recognised as the leader in High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnet, design, numerical modelling, and prototyping.  Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets. 

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, currently employs a growing team of over 250 people with experts from the UK and around the world.  It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities.  The company has 70 families of patent applications and has raised $250 million, comprising $200m from private investors and $50m from the UK and US governments.  Our US subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

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

Overview of the role

We are seeking a plasma physicist, a control engineer, or a combination of the two to join our Plasma Operations Group (POG), to help us push the limits of plasma performance in our current ST40 tokamak and future high-field spherical tokamaks (STs). The successful candidate will contribute to operating our devices, to development of operating scenarios, and to development of our Plasma Control System (PCS).

Key responsibilities:

• Lead sessions of plasma operations on ST40 and future devices.
• Participate in planning, running, and analysis of experiments.
• Develop modelling tools and/or carry out modelling related to operating scenarios and plasma control of both ST40 and future devices.
• Develop, test, maintain, and operate ST40 Pulse Scheduling System (PSS) and Plasma Control System (PCS).
• Contribute to development of advanced plasma control solutions and PCS for commercial fusion reactors.
• Work closely with internal and external collaborators.

Requirements

Essential

• Higher degree in plasma physics, plasma control, control engineering, or closely related equivalent experience.
• Experience in magnetic fusion devices, operating them, and analysing their data.
• Experience in modelling of fusion plasmas.
• Highly motivated to deliver against challenging objectives in a compressed timescale.
• Ability to contribute effectively in a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and technicians.
• Outstanding problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Ability to work efficiently on one’s own initiative.

Desirable

• Experience in experimental scenario development and/or scenario modelling.
• Familiarity with software development best practices and the V-model.
• Ability to work in a Linux environment.
• Experimental data analysis experience.
• Experience in programming languages such as Python/C/C++/Bash.
• Willingness to develop existing and new collaborations.
• Track record of scientific publications.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and 3 festive days to be used between Christmas and the New Year)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
• A range of financial benefits including death in service and critical illness cover
• Cycle to work scheme

No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.  Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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.

Working arrangements

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split.

Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis.