Plasma Physicist - Divertor Langmuir probes & infrared cameras

Working arrangements

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split. However, adjustments may need to be made depending on the nature of the work, for example during the ST40 experimental campaign.

Overview

We are seeking a divertor experimental physicist to work on diagnosing the power loading within ST40, a compact high performance spherical tokamak, owned and operated by Tokamak Energy. ST40’s operating parameters make it uniquely suited to studying the scrape off layer and divertor power loading. Specifically, the parameters of importance are a high current density, typically Ip~600kA, leading to >1T poloidal field at the outboard mid-plane, and low collisionality in the SOL. ST40 is producing new, scientific peer reviewed results, for example in the 2024 campaign, we observed a transient narrowing of the power fall off length, leading to a high-power loading on the divertor.

The successful candidate will join the Diagnostics Data and Control (DDC) team and will split their time between divertor diagnostic hardware and interpretation. We would like the successful candidate to primarily work with the Langmuir probes and infrared cameras, both the hardware and interpretation. But should be involved in all divertor diagnostics and overall interpretation of results. The successful candidate will also work with the DDC team on divertor diagnostic upgrades to ST40 – from conceptual design to instillation. And may be involved in conceptual designs of next generation tokamaks. To complement the interpretation divertor diagnostic results ST40 has a full set of core diagnostics, and the successful candidate may occasionally be required to support these diagnostics during experimental campaigns.

Requirements

Responsibilities

• Work within Tokamak Energy Data, Diagnostics and Control (DDC) team, which responsible for ST40 experimental data
• Primarily work, with other DDC team members, on the Langmuir probes and infrared camera hardware and interpretation
• Participate in ST40 experimental campaigns, and interpretation of experimental results
• Work as part of the DDC team on divertor diagnostics – both hardware and interpretation. Comparing multiple divertor diagnostics to give a consistent view of the divertor

Requirements

• Practical experience of working within a scientific laboratory is essential
• Experience with Langmuir probes is desirable
• Experience with infrared cameras is desirable
• Knowledge of tokamak divertors is desirable
• Knowledge of plasma material interaction (PMI) is desirable
• University degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics or similar field is essential
• PhD in physics or similar is desirable

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

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:

• Working at height (ladders & scaffolding)
• Working with electricity (LV only)
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields
• Infrequent and optional] 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.