Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research

Company Description

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy.  Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

UKIFS employees can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire, however, this role will primarily be based at Culham, due to the current locations of key stakeholders and related services. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

Job Description

As an employee of UKIFS you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• 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 allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £91,183 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance) , and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week. 

Please note this role will close on the 25th of September. 

The Role:

We are seeking an internationally recognised Head of Computational Science and Engineering Research to lead a newly established, strategically critical research programme. Reporting directly to the Director for Science and Technology, you will shape and deliver a decadal vision for how advances in high-performance computing, simulation, and AI can be harnessed to support the STEP mission. You will work in close partnership with UKAEA, our Whole Plant Partners, and the Engineering Delivery Directorate to ensure that STEP benefits from the most advanced computational tools and techniques available.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a world-class, delivery-driven research programme that will define the digital backbone of the UK’s fusion future.

Key Focus:

Computational Science and Engineering Research (CSER)

Your programme will:

• Advance Simulation Capabilities: Develop scalable, high-fidelity models to predict plasma and materials behaviour in fusion conditions.
• Enable Engineering Integration: Support the creation of “Virtual STEP”—a digital twin of the prototype plant for design, qualification, and operation.
• Leverage Emerging Technologies: Harness AI, machine learning, and next-generation hardware to accelerate innovation and reduce technical risk.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Programme Leadership:

• Define and deliver a decadal roadmap for computational science and engineering research aligned with STEP’s delivery needs.
• Identify high-impact areas where simulation can reduce risk, optimise design, and support regulatory compliance.
• Lead a cross-organisational team spanning UKAEA, industrial partners, and academia.

Technical Innovation & Integration:

• Support the development of Virtual STEP through innovations in surrogate modelling, uncertainty quantification, and integrated simulation frameworks.
• Collaborate with plasma and materials science leads to ensure computational tools meet their evolving needs.
• Partner with the Head of Engineering – Computing, Modelling and Simulation to ensure interoperability and strategic alignment.

Partnerships & Influence:

• Act as the primary interface for computational research with UKAEA and future Engineering and Construction Partners.
• Build a robust network of collaborators across academia, industry, and government.
• Promote a “one-team” culture across diverse partner organisations.

Programme Management:

• Define measurable targets that demonstrate continual benefit to STEP throughout design, construction, and operation.
• Develop and manage the programme budget, ensuring delivery to cost and schedule.
• Provide strategic workforce planning and grow the team across partner organisations.

Innovation & Economic Impact:

· Foster a culture of innovation and responsible research.

· Manage intellectual property to maximise commercial value while supporting open collaboration.

· Encourage publication of patents and research outputs, and explore cross-sector applications.

Leadership & Culture:

• Embody UKIFS values and leadership behaviours.
• Inspire and motivate multidisciplinary teams across multiple organisations.
• Promote a culture of psychological safety, inclusion, and professional development.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• Proven world-leading leadership in high-performance computing for science or engineering.
• Deep understanding of emerging hardware (e.g. exascale, GPU, quantum) and their application to simulation.
• Expertise in multi-physics simulation and surrogate modelling (e.g. AI/ML for real-time control).
• Experience leading complex, cross-organisational research programmes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to responsible innovation and safety standards.

Beneficial Experience:

• Research experience in a commercial environment.
• Understanding of fusion energy R&D challenges.
• Leadership within large, delivery-driven projects.
• Experience with IP generation and digital design methodologies.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the digital future of fusion energy and lead a programme that will have lasting scientific, technological, and societal impact. Join us in delivering a legacy of sustainable, secure, and commercially viable fusion power.

Additional Information

For more information on UKIFS visit : https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly from women in STEM, ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and neurotypical individuals. Our Executive team, and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open-source data.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.

We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit Careers - STEP.