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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 groundbreaking 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.

Job Description

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.

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.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science or Engineering from 2025 or '26.
• 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.

Benefits

• £35,227 base salary.
• 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.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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 take steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Support

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email 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.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Human Resources

Industries

Research Services