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.
High-performance particle simulations targeting exascale computing will play a key part in the modelling of future fusion reactors, spanning a wide range of use cases, including plasma modelling, reacting gas flows, and particle-surface interactions.
The successful candidate for this role will primarily be working on the development of novel software and methods for performance-portable simulations based on the UKAEA particle library NESO-Particles. They will bring a combination of a good understanding of high-performance computing methods and tools, such as parallel and GPU programming, and knowledge of statistical and numerical methods for particle modelling (e.g. Particle-In-Cell, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo, etc.). This role is based in the Computing division at UKAEA, but a successful candidate would be expected to engage with colleagues across divisions (e.g. plasma physics), so basic knowledge of plasma physics and/or related disciplines is desirable, though not essential.
As well as working with peers on the development of high-performance simulation software, the role holder will assist with deploying and testing them on state-of-the-art systems like the SUNRISE supercomputer, which is soon to be stood up by UKAEA and Cambridge.
UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.
We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here) and highlights include:
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, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.
Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.
We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit and further information can be found here.
As the UK’s national fusion lab, the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology, and position the UK as a leader in sustainable fusion energy. We are meeting the scientific and engineering challenges that come with such a grand ambition.
UKAEA is made up of four main facilities: Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE), Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE), Materials Research Facility (MRF), and - in partnership with STFC - the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) apprentice training centre.
Connect with us to hear more about our world-class research and career opportunities and to discuss commercial opportunities.
