Plasma Physicist - Equilibrium, Magnetics and 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

This work will primarily focused on analysing experimental results from ST40, the world’s highest field ST which routinely operates at ~2.1T and Ip~600kA.

The ST has many benefits, such as high bootstrap fraction, is stable up to high normalised plasma beta, and potentially has a more favourable scaling of the energy confinement time with toroidal field than at conventional aspect ratio. However, the physics basis of the ST is less well explored than at conventional aspect ratio (because most ST’s operate with a relatively low toroidal field). To address this gap Tokamak Energy designed, constructed, and is now operating ST40.

Fundamental to achieving ST40’s ambitious scientific mission is the calculation of an accurate plasma equilibrium. The successful candidate will split their time between equilibrium reconstruction (both post-shot and for real time plasma control) and MHD stability analysis. Recent additional diagnostics such as Thomson scattering, charge exchange recombination spectroscopy and soft x-ray diagnostics are now providing profile information which can be used to further constrain the equilibrium reconstruction. ST40 will explore plasma stability at high plasma beta and fast particle driven instabilities, so predictive and experimental MHD analysis will be required.

Opportunities to contribute to ST40 operations, fundamental physics research, and the design of next-generation spherical tokamaks also exist.

Requirements

In this role, you will:

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

·         Calibrate magnetic diagnostics for ST40.

·         Participate in ST40 experimental campaigns, producing plasma equilibrium using all available diagnostics.

·         Experimentally and predictively study MHD plasma instabilities.

Requirements

·         University degree in physics, mathematics or similar field.

·         Knowledge of tokamak plasma equilibrium is essential.

·         PhD in plasma physics is desirable.

·         Scientific programming is essential (Python, Matlab, Fortran and C/C+ will all be used in this role, but you do not need to be an expert in all languages/tools).

·         Previous experience of calibrating magnetic diagnostics, and plasma equilibrium reconstruction is desirable.

·         Knowledge of plasma instabilities and experience in calculating stability is desirable.

·         Knowledge of machine learning is desirable.

·         Knowledge of real time and GPU programming is desirable.

·         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:

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

·         [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.