• Job Description

  Req#: 250000AP
  Job Title: Laser Scientist – Fusion Laser Driver Development - UPLiFT

  Salary: £31,298 Band C S2

  Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

  Contract Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (With the intent to extend to 3 Years)

  Location: STFC- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire

  Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and the designated HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.

  Come and discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

  An exciting opportunity exists to join the Central Laser Facility (CLF), at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, to work on the UK Programme of Laser Inertial Fusion Technology for Energy (UPLiFT). This is a 4 year £10M research programme funded by the UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. UPLiFT’s goal is to develop key science and technologies which will be required to realise power generation via laser driven inertial fusion energy (IFE). The successful candidate will be a member of a large multi-disciplinary team working on UPLiFT’s Laser Development work package.

  We are seeking to develop an efficient, high energy laser driver concept, with the potential to provide a low-cost solution to meet the requirements of a future power plant. The work package is tasked to deliver a practical demonstration of key component technology for development of a prototype laser driver, with the capability of delivering an efficient (>10%) source of high energy pulses at 10 pulse per second. Technologies will be based on diode-pumped solid state master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) laser chains utilising CLF developed DiPOLE multi-slab amplifier technology. Architectures will need to be able to provide the required bandwidth and scalability to meet the requirements of a future laser-driven IFE power plant.

  CLF contains many state-of-the-art laser systems and experimental stations, along with expert scientists, engineers and technicians that work with academic and industry users to deliver science across a broad range of fields. We have around 200 staff and are a very friendly, outgoing, externally facing department. We have a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.

  About the Role:

  You will join the Centre for Advanced Laser Technologies and Applications (CALTA) team and support the UPLiFT project developing new laser driver designs, building prototype systems, and conducting experimental test campaigns. You will be working closely with a team of laser scientists and engineers, and will engage with the wider UPLiFT team to understand the implications of fusion physics and targetry design on laser driver specifications. You will also engage with external experts and collaborators in the UK and around the world to gain knowledge and to enhance the research capabilities of the group.

  The key areas of the role include:

  • Contributing to the optical design of a new laser driver concept, performing optical modelling of subsystems, and defining prototype specifications.

  • Supporting modelling activities, including laser energetics and thermal management (CFD & FE) models, to predict system performance and aid design down selection.

  • Undertaking proof-of-concept tests to de-risk key component technologies.

  • Working with external suppliers and contractors to determine existing capabilities and future requirements, and supporting development of collaborative links with external facilities.

  • Working as part a team liaising with engineers to design key mechanical equipment for prototype testing.

  • Build and testing of prototype components in laser laboratory to demonstrate effectiveness of designs.

  • Contributing to a concept design for a laser driver suitable for scaling to meet the requirements of a future IFE power plant in collaboration with wider UPLiFT project.

  About You:

  You will have a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, as well as experience in a relevant scientific area with a record of independent research or autonomous thinking. You should have knowledge of laser and optical science. You will ideally be familiar with solid state laser systems and their design, and nonlinear optics.

  With good interpersonal skills you should have the ability to work as part of a team of individuals with a varying range of knowledge and experience.

  You will have knowledge of modelling or simulation techniques and their application to the design of laser systems.

  Person Specification

  The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

  • A degree in physics or a closely related subject (or equivalent experience) (S)

  • Experience in aligning and working with lasers or optical systems (or equivalent relevant experience) (S&I)

  • Good knowledge of optics and laser physics (S&I)

  • Knowledge of data analysis techniques to compare modelling and experimental results (I)

  • Able to work as part of a team and seek novel solutions to problems (I)

  • Competence with Matlab and/or LabView (I)

  • Physically capable of working in a laser laboratory (able to stand for extended periods, good vision in both eyes) (I)

  Our Benefits:

  UK Research and Innovation recognises and values employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, Defined benefit pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.

  For more information, please visit www.clf.stfc.ac.uk or contact Paul Mason.

  As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.

  Join us and discover what’s possible!

  About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

  As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

  We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

  For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

  You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

  About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

  UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

  Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

  More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

  Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

  How we support EDI in the workforce

  At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

  Disability Confident Employer

  As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
  
  How to apply

  Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

  UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

• About the company

  UK Research and Innovation is a non-departmental public body of the Government of the United Kingdom that directs research and innovation funding, funded through the science budget of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

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