Company Description
The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the delivery of fusion energy through the design and construction of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning the STEP prototype.
Fusion energy is crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, with commercial viability expected by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims to have a prototype fusion plant operational by around 2040. UKIFS will collaborate with industrial partners and build a global fusion supply chain valued at approximately £7tn annually. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be part of this groundbreaking journey.
For more information on benefits, visit: Life at UKAEA
Additional details about UKIFS can be found here: UKIFS Recruitment Pack
Job Description
As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:
* Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
* 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: 25 days plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days, and UK bank holidays
* Wide range of career development opportunities
* A vibrant, inclusive culture
The salary for this role is £91,183 (including Specialist Allowance). Onsite work is expected three days per week at West Burton Power Station. The application deadline is 12th September.
The Role:
We are seeking an internationally recognized Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research to lead a new, strategically critical research programme. Reporting to the Director for Science and Technology, you will shape and deliver a decadal vision for leveraging high-performance computing, simulation, and AI to support the STEP mission. You will collaborate closely with UKAEA, industry partners, and the Engineering Delivery Directorate to ensure STEP benefits from cutting-edge computational tools.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a world-class research programme that will define the digital infrastructure of the UK’s fusion future.
Key Focus:
Computational Science and Engineering Research (CSER)
Your programme will:
* Develop scalable, high-fidelity models for plasma and materials behaviour in fusion conditions
* Support the creation of “Virtual STEP” — a digital twin for design, qualification, and operation
* Utilize AI, machine learning, and next-gen hardware to accelerate innovation and reduce risks
Key Accountabilities:
Strategic Programme Leadership:
* Define and execute a decadal roadmap aligned with STEP’s needs
* Identify high-impact simulation areas to reduce risk and support compliance
* Lead cross-organisational teams with UKAEA, industry, and academia
Technical Innovation & Integration:
* Advance Virtual STEP through surrogate modelling, uncertainty quantification, and integrated simulations
* Collaborate with plasma and materials science teams to meet their computational needs
* Coordinate with the Head of Engineering – Computing, Modelling and Simulation for strategic alignment
Partnerships & Influence:
* Serve as the primary interface for computational research with UKAEA and partners
* Build a network across academia, industry, and government
* Promote a collaborative, “one-team” culture
Programme Management:
* Set measurable targets demonstrating benefits throughout STEP’s lifecycle
* Manage the programme budget to deliver on time and within scope
* Plan and grow the team strategically across partners
Innovation & Economic Impact:
* Foster a culture of innovation and responsible research
* Manage intellectual property for maximum value and open collaboration
* Publish patents and research outputs; explore cross-sector applications
Leadership & Culture:
* Demonstrate UKIFS values and leadership behaviors
* Inspire multidisciplinary teams across organizations
* Promote psychological safety, inclusion, and professional growth
Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
* PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
* Proven leadership in high-performance computing for science or engineering
* Deep knowledge of emerging hardware (exascale, GPU, quantum) for simulation
* Expertise in multi-physics simulation and AI/ML surrogate modelling
* Experience leading complex, cross-organisational research programs
* Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
* Commitment to responsible innovation and safety standards
Beneficial Experience:
* Research in a commercial environment
* Understanding of fusion energy R&D challenges
* Leadership in large, delivery-focused projects
* Experience with IP generation and digital design methodologies
This role offers a chance to shape the future of fusion energy and lead a programme with lasting scientific and societal impact. Join us in delivering sustainable, secure, and commercially viable fusion power.
Additional Information
For more details, visit: UKIFS Recruitment Pack
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially women in STEM, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodiverse individuals. Our leadership and EDI networks promote inclusion and diversity.
This role requires completing an online BPSS check, including DBS and open-source data searches. For overseas applicants, see: Criminal Records Checks for Overseas Applicants. Applications are typically open for 4 weeks, but may close earlier if filled.
Visit Careers - STEP for other opportunities.
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