Job Description

Overview

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), leads the design and delivery of the STEP prototype fusion plant as part of the UK fusion programme. UKIFS is establishing the company, building talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning construction for STEP.

Fusion energy is a strategic initiative to combat climate change and support energy independence, with first operations targeted around 2040. UKIFS aims to deliver a funded, commercially viable prototype and to build a global fusion supply chain with an estimated sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to contribute to this ground-breaking journey.

Employee benefits include a defined benefit pension scheme, a corporate bonus scheme (up to 7%), relocation allowance (where eligible), flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme with trained Mental Health First Aiders, generous leave, career development opportunities, and a vibrant inclusive culture. A full benefits list is available at the careers site.

Salary for this role is £77,239 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus excellent benefits including a pension. This role is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, with onsite working expected for 3 days per week.

For more information on UKIFS, please refer to the Candidate Recruitment Pack. This role will close on 2 September 2025.

Job Description

Pioneering Materials Science for Fusion Energy: a Leadership Opportunity in MIST

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is leading the delivery of clean, abundant, and inherently safe fusion energy, driving scientific and technological advances to support an integrated fusion pilot plant design and the pathway to commercial viability. We seek a visionary Materials Irradiation Science and Technology Manager (MIST) to join the Science and Technology Directorate. Reporting to the Head of Materials Science and Technology, you will assume a pivotal leadership role to coordinate and optimise the materials irradiation programme informing STEP Prototype Plant (SPP) design and subsequent fusion power plants.

You will work across the STEP programme to coordinate access to irradiation campaigns on facilities worldwide, including the LIBRTI facility being developed in the UK, ensuring access to post-irradiation examination (PIE) capabilities and maximising knowledge gains. You will serve as the primary scientific authority for STEP\'s irradiation strategy, supporting UKIFS, UKAEA and future partners to deliver a viable SPP design.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the MIST Programme: coordinate and direct research campaigns across global irradiation facilities (neutron sources, test reactors, ion accelerators) to support STEP design. Manage planning and experimental design for STEP’s irradiation exploitation of the LIBRTI facility. Oversee advanced materials analysis and integrate solutions into STEP component design.
• Build Strategic Scientific Partnerships: establish and cultivate relationships with irradiation facility operators, UKAEA, and future partners. Identify opportunities for collaboration with industry and universities.
• Drive Programme Delivery & Strategic Vision: develop and own the decadal materials irradiation strategy for STEP, align with budgets and design timelines, manage budgets and forecasts, and ensure milestones are achieved.
• Manage Economic Benefit & Innovation: foster scientific innovation, translate R&D outputs into commercial value, manage intellectual property, and identify early commercial opportunities.
• Disseminate Research Outcomes: provide updates to internal leadership and external stakeholders, encourage publication of results in peer-reviewed venues and presentations at conferences, and align with commercial interests.
• Embody Scientific Leadership: lead a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment, make informed decisions, and deliver programme objectives through scientific ambition.

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 research leadership experience.
• Hands-on experience with materials irradiation facilities and analysis, preferably in an industrial or applied research setting.
• Proven ability to lead collaborative R&D teams, with high-impact publications and results under technical and time constraints.
• Understanding of radiation safety standards and materials handling protocols.
• Ability to set strategic scientific direction and motivate skilled teams.
• Experience initiating and developing complex technical programmes.
• Ability to build and maintain trusted internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and development of team members.
• Ability to manage conflict and foster collaboration; excellent communication skills to influence at all levels.
• Commitment to ethical and responsible innovation and compliance with safety, health, environment, and quality standards.

Beneficial Skills & Experience

• Direct research experience with fusion-relevant materials.
• Industrial or commercial research experience.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and engineers.
• Experience in intellectual property generation and management (patents, disclosures).
• Familiarity with design for multiple attributes (reliability, maintainability, manufacture, disposal).
• Experience developing or interpreting design codes for novel materials in harsh environments.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British Black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in recruitment and selection and remove barriers to success. For accessibility, please email talent@ukifs.uk with requests for adjustments.

This role requires completion of the online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, with possible SC clearance in the future. If you already hold SC clearance, it can be transferred. Overseas applicants should review guidelines on criminal records checks before applying. If no relevant information is available, applications may not be processed.

Please note vacancies are typically advertised for four weeks but may close earlier depending on applications. We may consider your application for future positions. To view current opportunities, please visit Careers - STEP.