LIBRTI Breeder Scientist

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 leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

LIBRTI is a £200m fusion fuel programme delivering a world-first testbed for engineering-scale fusion fuel prototype testing at the Culham site in Oxfordshire. The programme includes adapting an existing facility, installing a 14 MeV neutron source, and delivering a broad research portfolio spanning tritium chemistry and accountancy, molten salt chemical engineering, high-temperature hydrogen isotope behaviour, and advanced modelling and uncertainty analysis. Its goal is to run multi-tonne neutron-irradiated experiments with international partners, generating digital-twin insights to inform future fusion power-plant design.

The programme is recruiting across materials science, chemistry, chemical and process engineering, mathematics, and physics. Research is fast-paced and collaborative, involving UK universities and international fusion laboratories, with opportunities for conference attendance and short overseas secondments. The team works alongside experts in materials, plasma physics, computing, robotics, tritium, and engineering on a campus with strong facilities, green space, and an active social culture.

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Core responsibilities

• Participate in UKAEA’s research programs on breeder development for fusion. Organise, support and coordinate short- and long-term projects, arranging specimen/data procurement, scope of work, funding and resources for sample preparation, testing, and modelling.
• Deliver high quality, novel research or engineering in the field of tritium breeding through own endeavour and creative input.
• Compile and present results within technical reports, at scientific conferences and through publication of high-quality research articles.
• Work with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields) in order to complement UKAEA's internal capability.
• Contribute to the development and positive reinforcement of UKAEA’s knowledge base, design rules and practices in the area of materials & nuclear physics research and development.
• Contribute to bids for and delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates).
• Propose, secure funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects aligned with internal strategy (e.g. STEP, EUROfusion PPPT Enabling Research, EPSRC, PhD, Masters placements, graduates)..
  
  

• Degree (or higher) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics
• Postgraduate-level research experience in Materials Science, gained through industry experience or an MSc/PhD
• Research experience in nuclear materials science and/or tritium breeding (desirable)
• Understanding of fusion-relevant materials, including plant components and manufacturing methods
• Experience in materials selection, justification, and research proposal writing or project planning
• Experience with data management and, ideally, working with tritium or in a tritium laboratory
  
  

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/ but highlights include:

• £42858 base salary (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance)
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege day and 8 Bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working options

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit. Further information can be found here.