Manager of Computational Science and Engineering Research

Manager of Computational Science and Engineering Research

• Full-time
• Salary: £69,592 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  West Burton, Nottinghamshire
• Confirmed Grade:
  Level 6*

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

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 schemeup to 7% and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programmeand 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
• A vibrantculturecommitted to being fully inclusive

The salary for this role is £69,592 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

This position is to be based at West Burton,Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

The closing date for this advert is set for Monday the 23rd of February 2026.

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is leading the UK’s boldest scientific and engineering mission: to deliver clean, abundant, and inherently safe fusion energy. Our flagship STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme aims to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant by 2040, establishing a pathway to commercial fusion power. At the heart of this mission lies a digital challenge—one that demands cutting‑edge computational science and engineering to accelerate design, reduce risk, and enable real‑time control of the fusion plasma.

We are seeking an internationally recognised Managerof Computational Science and Engineering Research to lead a newly established, strategically critical programme of research. 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, well placed to exploit future innovations in computational science and engineering.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a world‑class, delivery‑driven research programme that will deliver the innovations required to inform a robust digital backbone of the UK’s fusion future.

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.

• Define and deliver a decadal…