As a Graduate Research Scientist, you will support our tritium science programmes and TFC work packages by conducting literature reviews, assessments, and optioneering, drafting technology reports, and performing fuel-cycle and unit-operation modelling. You will also design, construct, and operate experimental equipment, analysing the results to inform programme development.

As part of the 20% dedicated to training and development, you will complete a core suite of activities aimed at enhancing your professional and business skills, with flexibility to tailor the programme to both your personal development and the needs of your specific role.

Your core responsibilities:

• Generation of experimental proofs of concept and conceptual designs.
• Detailed experimental design, procurement, build, commissioning, and operation.
• Project planning, reporting, and data analysis.
• Generate scientific reports, papers, and present findings at conferences and internal forums.
• Collaborate with university departments and external partners to support joint research and development activities.
• Support wider UKAEA initiatives, including operational activities such as JET decommissioning and repurposing and active gas handling systems.
• Degree in Science (Chemistry, Physics or Nuclear) from 2025 or 2026
• Confident with all Microsoft applications including Excel, Word and Powerpoint
• Driven, with a strong appetite to learn and take on new challenges
• Able to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Well organised and adaptable with the ability to plan and prioritise workload
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working options

UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under-represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please mail talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

What can I expect from the application process at UKAEA?

Once you have submitted a formal application via our website, all CVs will be reviewed shortly after the closing date of the advert.