Plasma Physicist - Equilibrium & MHD

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 plasma equilibrium and MHD stability to join our Transport and MHD stability group. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of an in-house tokamak simulator; the design of next step devices; the development of the physics basis for spherical tokamaks; and the design of Tokamak Energy’s future devices.

Responsibilities

• Perform free and fixed-boundary equilibrium calculations for current and future devices.
• Develop and maintain plasma equilibrium modelling tools
• Develop and maintain MHD stability modelling and analysis tools
• Assess MHD stability of current and future devices
• Develop coupled transport-equilibrium modelling capabilities.
• Contribute to the development of an in-house tokamak simulator.
• Participate in planning, running, and analysis of experiments.
• Develop modelling tools and/or carry out modelling related to the design of plasma operating scenarios for ST40 and future devices.
• Work closely with internal and external collaborators.
• Train, mentor and upskill colleagues.

• PhD or equivalent experience in plasma physics or a closely related field Familiarity with relevant tokamak/plasma modelling codes (e.g. KINX, ELITE, MISHKA, SPIDER, FIESTA, FreeGS, DCON, M3DC-1, JOREK, etc…)
• Extensive knowledge of plasma equilibrium and MHD stability
• Experience working in a research environment or developing novel technologies
• Ability to work efficiently on own initiative
• Highly motivated to deliver against challenging objectives in a compressed timescale
• Ability to contribute effectively in a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists
• Willingness to learn and adopt new techniques and technologies
• Ability to effectively communicate results to both technical and non-technical colleagues
• Organised approach to tackling complex problems
• Proficiency in FORTRAN and/or MATLAB/Simulink and/or Python or C/C++

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 with speed optimising code.
• Experience in one extra programming languages on the top from the “Essential list” Python, C/C++, FORTRAN, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Willingness to develop existing and new collaborations.
• Track record of scientific publications

• 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.

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.