Materials Irradiation Science & Technology Manager - UKIFS
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Overview
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UKAEA, leads fusion energy delivery through the STEP prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning the STEP prototype.
Fusion energy is crucial for climate action and energy independence. UKIFS aims for a prototype fusion plant with first operations around 2040, building a global fusion supply chain and contributing to a multi-trillion-pound sector.
As an UKIFS employee, you may benefit from a defined benefit pension, a corporate bonus scheme, relocation support (if eligible), flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a generous leave allowance. A full benefits list is available on the company careers site. Salary for this role is £77,239 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus benefits. Onsite working is expected at least 3 days per week at UKIFS locations including West Burton, Nottinghamshire. This role requires BPSS checks; SC clearance may be required in the future. Vaccinations and other recruitment requirements may apply and are subject to change.
Job Description
Pioneering Materials Science for Fusion Energy: a leadership opportunity in Materials Irradiation Science & Technology (MIST).
UKIFS seeks a visionary Materials Irradiation Science & Technology Manager (MIST) to join the Science and Technology Directorate. Reporting to the Head of Materials Science and Technology, you will lead a coordinated materials irradiation programme to inform STEP Prototype Plant (SPP) design and future fusion power plants.
Your responsibilities include coordinating access to irradiation campaigns across global facilities, including the LIBRTI facility being developed in the UK, and ensuring access to post-irradiation examination capabilities. You will act as the primary scientific authority for STEP's irradiation strategy and support cross-team activities across UKIFS, UKAEA, and partner organisations.
Key Accountabilities
* Lead the MIST Programme: coordinate research campaigns at global irradiation facilities, manage planning and experimental design for STEP’s use of LIBRTI, oversee advanced materials analysis, and support integration into STEP component design.
* Build Strategic Scientific Partnerships: establish relations with irradiation facility operators, UKAEA, future partners, and collaborators from industry and universities.
* Drive Programme Delivery & Strategic Vision: develop and own a decadal materials irradiation strategy aligned with budgets and STEP timelines; manage budgets and milestones.
* Manage Economic Benefit & Innovation: drive R&D into commercial value, manage intellectual property, pursue patents, and identify early commercial opportunities.
* Disseminate Research Outcomes: provide updates to leadership and external stakeholders, promote publications and high-impact presentations.
* Embody Scientific Leadership: lead with inclusivity, foster collaboration, and deliver objectives ethically and effectively.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a critical scientific discipline within a world-changing energy initiative.
Qualifications
Essential Skills & Experience
* PhD in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or equivalent leadership experience.
* Hands-on experience with materials irradiation facilities and analysis in industrial or applied research settings.
* Strong track record in collaborative R&D, publications, and meeting technical/time constraints.
* Understanding of radiation safety standards and materials handling.
* Ability to set strategic direction and motivate research teams.
* Ability to manage a complex technical programme and build stakeholder relationships.
* Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and development of staff; ability to engage across scientific and industrial communities.
* Excellent communication, influencing at all levels, and ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
* Commitment to responsible, ethical innovation and compliance with safety, health, environment, and quality standards.
Beneficial Skills & Experience
* Direct fusion-relevant materials research experience.
* Significant experience in commercial or industrial research environments.
* Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and engineers.
* Experience with IP generation and management (patents, disclosures).
* Familiarity with design-for-reliability, maintainability, manufacture, and disposal considerations.
* Experience developing or interpreting design codes for novel materials in harsh environments.
Additional Information
We welcome applications from under-represented groups and support equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). UKIFS is committed to accessibility and will accommodate adjustments to support fair competition. This role requires BPSS checks; SC clearance may be required in the future. For overseas applicants, check UK government guidance on criminal record checks. Vacancies are typically advertised for four weeks but may close earlier depending on applications. Details of other opportunities can be found on Careers - STEP.
Location: UK (various sites). This job posting may reflect multiple locations and postings within the UKIFS/STEP ecosystem.
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