Plasma Physicist - Electron Density

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

Tokamak Energy has designed, constructed, and is now operating ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak which routinely operates at ~2.1T and Ip~600kA.

Fundamental to achieving the ambitious scientific mission on ST40 is the accurate measurement of electron density. The need for a reliable system is even more important for next-generation spherical tokamaks where the electron density will interface as a crucial part of the machine protection system. To address both the immediate ST40 needs and future needs Tokamak Energy has designed and constructed an innovative dispersion interferometer, within a dedicated laser laboratory.

The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of the dispersion interferometer diagnostic, from physically mounting the diagnostic on ST40, to interfacing trigger timings with the plasma control system (PCS), to recording experimental results to ST40’s centralised database, analysis of the results both post-shot and in real-time to inform the PCS, and presenting results externally at scientific conferences and in the scientific literature.

The successful candidate will also be required to contribute to other laser-based diagnostics on ST40, such as the Thomson scattering (TS) system, will be involved in all laser safety training, and the sharing of best practises. Opportunities to contribute to other ST40 diagnostics, ST40 operations, fundamental physics research, and the design of next-generation spherical tokamaks also exist.

Requirements

·         Work as part of the team responsible for ST40 experimental data analysis.

·         Lead the dispersion interferometer diagnostic development through individual work, teamwork, and interfacing with other ST40 groups (e.g. controls, mechanical, chief engineer).

·         Install and calibrate the near dispersion interferometer on ST40.

·         Participate in ST40 experimental campaigns.

Requirements

·         Safety is our highest priority; we are therefore seeking an individual who puts safety as their highest priority, both for yourself and for colleagues.

·         Practical experience of working within a laser lab is essential.

·         Laser safety training is desirable.

·         Previous experience of being responsible for an area / system is desirable.

·         Previous experience of working on a tokamak is desirable.

·         PhD in physics or similar field is desirable.

·         Knowledge of machine learning is desirable.

·         Scientific programming is desirable (e.g. some of: Python, Matlab, Fortran, C or C++).

·         Excellent communicator both orally, written, and experience of presenting at scientific conferences.

·         Willingness to learn and adopt new techniques and technologies.

Benefits

·         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

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

·         Working at height (ladders & scaffolding)

·         [Optional] Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields.

·         Working with class 3B or 4 lasers

·         [Optional] Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business.

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.