Plasma Physicist

Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We work with governments and industry to develop and bring fusion and HTS solutions to market through innovation and strategic partnerships. A major part of this is our end‑to‑end capability in HTS systems, from design to manufacturing.

We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70 million contract running to 2029, working with UK Fusion Energy to deliver HTS magnet systems for the STEP prototype power plant, while also contributing to tokamak systems and plasma integration.

Founded in 2009 as a spin-out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy is headquartered in Oxfordshire, with subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Today, we employ over 300 people and have secured more than £280 million in investment.

We operate through three divisions:

Fusion - Fusion energy technologies, expertise and testbeds for government and private fusion programmes, including ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak.

TE Magnetics - HTS systems for commercial applications including fusion energy, power distribution, life sciences, and propulsion.

Ridgway Machines - Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Plasma Physicist to join our Plasma Prediction & Simulation (PSPS) team, within the Integrated Core–Scrape-Off Layer (SOL)–Divertor group.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of fusion research, supporting the ST40 LEAPS programme through experimental physics, data analysis, and modelling. You’ll contribute to high-impact projects, publications, and presentations, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation.

We welcome applications from early-career researchers through to experienced physicists.

Core Responsibilities:

• Support and perform edge and divertor physics experiments on ST40
• Analyse and interpret experimental data (e.g. Langmuir probes, IR thermography, spectroscopy)
• Apply computational modelling to support experimental findings
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Diagnostics, Data & Control
• Present insights internally and externally (conferences, publications)

Additional / Development Activities:

Predict heat flux on plasma-facing components using tools such as HEAT, COMSOL or ANSYS

• Support divertor and component design and optimisation
• Contribute to next-generation fusion device concepts
• Perform modelling relevant to edge and divertor physics

Essential:

• PhD in plasma physics or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Understanding of tokamak physics, particularly plasma exhaust and core-edge integration
• Experience in experimental data analysis and uncertainty handling
• Programming skills (e.g. Python, scientific computing, version control)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desirable:

• Experience in edge, SOL, or divertor physics
• Exposure to tokamak operations and experimental planning
• Experience with scientific modelling tools (e.g. SOLPS-ITER, TRANSP, EFIT, COMSOL, ANSYS)
• Familiarity with databases and data systems
• Experience in cross-functional or matrix environments

Personal Attributes

• Adaptable and flexible, thriving in a scale-up environment
• Curious and eager to develop new skills
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership

Health & Safety Requirements
This role includes activities requiring occupational health clearance, such as:

• Driving on company business
• Working near high magnetic field equipment
• Occasional international trave

• Competitive salary tailored to your skills and experience (openly discussed from the outset)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
• Performance-led rewards including bonus, innovation and merit schemes
• Share options – a stake in our future success
• Pension and comprehensive financial protection package
• Health and wellbeing support, including cash plan and 24/7 assistance
• Ongoing investment in your growth with training and career progression
• Be part of world-changing innovation in fusion energy

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the 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.