Computational materials simulation scientist

The role centers on developing high-performance computer models for microstructurally and chemically complex materials, including impurities, phase inclusions, oxide particles, alloying elements, and defects like vacancies, dislocations, and grain boundaries. Responsibilities include formulating numerical algorithms based on interatomic and elastic interactions to investigate material evolution in extreme environments, simulating conditions like high temperatures, stresses, gravitational and magnetic loads, and irradiation effects expected in a fusion power plant.

Additional Responsibilities:

•  Advance and spearhead UKAEA's research in microstructurally and chemically complex materials simulations. Emphasize the application of mesoscale models to predict engineering-relevant quantities, particularly focusing on assessing the lifetime of materials in a fusion reactor environment.

• Explore applications of density functional theory, atomistic force field, and dislocation dynamics models to predict the evolution of materials under expected fusion conditions. Extend research to include non-fusion applications, broadening the scope and impact of the work.

• Actively participate in, facilitate, and potentially lead international projects, fostering collaboration among scientists from three or more countries. Develop new collaborations in cross-cutting areas of materials and engineering simulations, ensuring UKAEA's research maintains an internationally leading position. Produce consistently high-impact scientific output, including conference presentations and first-author journal papers, contributing primarily to the EPSRC/EUROfusion research program while collaborating closely with other programs at UKAEA.

The Salary for this role will be £40,609 (Includes Market Premium Payment (MPP)).

Essential Requirements:

• PhD degree in condensed matter theory, computational materials science, or related discipline
• Established expert in simulations involving High Performance Computing, preferably in condensed matter theory or computational materials science.
• Track record of first author journal publications in career.

Desirable:

• Long-term vision for fusion research needs in materials science.
• Fellowship or membership of a learned professional body, e.g. IoP
• Lecturing or tutorial experience
• Ability to communicate and influence other stakeholders, especially post-holder’s equivalents in universities, international laboratories, etc.
• Interest and ability to interact, collaborate with and where required supervise members of staff involved in related projects.

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

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

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.