INNOVATE TO ACCELERATE FUSION MATERIALS QUALIFICATION

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is at the forefront of delivering clean, abundant, and inherently safe fusion energy. Our flagship STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme is a bold national mission to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040. At the heart of this mission lies the challenge of qualifying materials for use in extreme fusion environments—without access to full-scale neutron testing in the near term. To meet this challenge, we are pioneering a new innovative approach: Design by Fundamentals (DbF).
We are seeking a visionary Design by Fundamentals Manager to lead this strategically critical programme. Reporting to the Head of Materials Science and Technology, you will shape and oversee a multidisciplinary research and development effort that builds on micro-scale materials modelling, integrated with carefully designed experimental campaigns to accelerate materials qualification. Your leadership will ensure that STEP has the materials data it needs to design, license, and build the world’s first fusion prototype plant.
You will work in close partnership with UKAEA technical leads and academic collaborators, forging a unified team that spans simulation and experimentation. You will also engage with regulatory bodies, ensuring that DbF outputs meet their expectations and support STEP’s delivery timeline. This is a rare opportunity to lead a world-first programme that redefines how materials are qualified for fusion—and potentially for other high-performance sectors.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.
• World-class expertise at the interface of materials modelling and experimentation.
• Deep understanding of nuclear materials science, especially irradiation effects.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary R&D teams and deliver under pressure.
• Strategic thinker with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to responsible innovation and safety standards.

BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE

• Expertise in materials modelling and extrapolation to fusion environments.
• Broad experimental background (e.g. microstructural characterisation, corrosion, micromechanics).
• Experience with IP generation and management.
• Familiarity with design for multiple attributes and harsh environment codes.