Plasma Physicist: Core-Pedestal

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.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Plasma Physicist with a background in experimental or computational core plasma physics, including turbulence transport of the tokamak core plasma, and pedestal stability and transport. The successful candidate will contribute to the analysis of the plasma core transport and pedestal stability of our ST40 high field spherical tokamak; experimental characterization of edge instabilities and L-H transition thresholds; integrated scenario modelling of ST40 and next step devices; and the development of the physics basis for the spherical tokamaks.  Working individually and as part of team towards deliverables that contribute to operations, projects, and product development, in alignment with company objectives and strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and validate reduced models (including scalings) and computational tools for the core and pedestal plasma of spherical tokamaks
• Develop core-edge integrated modelling tools and/or carry out modelling related to the design of plasma operating scenarios for ST40 and future devices.
• Work with a team of physicists and engineers to experimentally characterize the core and pedestal plasma of our record-breaking ST40 tokamak.
• Work closely with internal and external collaborators.
• Train, mentor and upskill colleagues.

Requirements

• PhD in plasma physics or closely related equivalent experience
• Familiarity with relevant core and pedestal plasma modelling codes (especially reduced models) and free boundary solvers, e.g. TGLF, NEO, TGYRO, EPED, ELITE, GS2, CGYRO, STELLA, IDEALBAL, CHEASE, FreeGS, etc.
• Proficient in modern programming languages (C++ or python preferred).
• Extensive knowledge of the physics of tokamak core plasmas (neoclassical and turbulence transport of conventional and spherical tokamaks etc.)
• Experience working in a research environment or developing novel technologies

Desirable

• Experience in experimental scenario development and/or scenario modelling.
• Experience with integrated modelling frameworks, eg TRANSP, ASTRA, JINTRAC, etc.
• Familiarity with software development best practices.
• Experimental data analysis experience.
• Willingness to develop existing and new collaborations.
• Track record of scientific publications.

Benefits

• 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

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

• Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business.

About Us

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.

Important information

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation.

If you do not meet all the listed criteria for this position, we would still welcome your application.

Entry into employment with 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.