Computational Scientist

Job Description

About us  

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.  

What you'll join 

Your degree got you this far. Where could fusion energy take you?

If you're looking for your first graduate role and want a career that's meaningful, challenging, and packed with opportunities to grow, UKAEA's Graduate Development Programme could be the perfect next step. Working alongside world-leading experts, you'll help advance ground breaking fusion technology while building the technical, professional, and leadership skills needed for a successful career. This is your chance to be part of an industry that's helping create a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Computing division at UKAEA runs a comprehensive computing programme exploring the use of new technologies to allow faster and more detailed studies of the physics and engineering problems associated with creating sustained and controlled fusion reactions. You will join the Materials Simulation group, which develops predictions based on physical-mathematical models informed by cutting-edge supercomputing simulations for what happens to structural reactor materials when subjected to the extreme conditions inside a fusion reactor. See here for an example. 

What you'll do 

• As part of an established, supportive team of computational scientists and engineers, you will learn to: apply advanced computational methods to study materials evolving under fusion-relevant conditions, contribute to the creation of new modelling approaches, and evaluate new computational tools.
• Contribute to the development of physical-mathematical multiscale models (using methods ranging from atomistic simulations, to finite-element modelling, to data-driven approaches) of how irradiation by high-energy neutrons, generating defects on the nanoscale, leads to changes in materials properties on the reactor component scale.
• Deliver project work and build technical expertise, managing assigned tasks, communicating progress effectively, and engaging with technical and scientific communities to share knowledge and support innovation.
• Take an active role in the UKAEA Graduate Scheme, participating in training and development activities, collaborating across different teams through placements and projects, supporting outreach and early careers initiatives, and acting as a positive ambassador for UKAEA’s inclusive and collaborative culture.

How you'll develop

On the graduate scheme here at the UK Atomic Energy Authority, you will have 20% of your time focused on professional and personal development. This will include a series of core development activities to fast track your business acumen, along with skills for technical, project management and people leadership. 

The remaining 80% of time is role-based, working within a team growing your technical knowledge within your chosen discipline. Working with your line manager, you will get the opportunity to experience different roles and responsibilities within projects to broaden your understanding and help decide your future career route. 

What you'll need

• Degree educated in physics, engineering, materials science, computing, mathematics, or related discipline, from 2025 to 2027
• Aptitude for mathematics and a keen interest in theoretical physical modelling.
• An interest in scientific computing, with a willingness to learn or develop programming skills (such as Python)
• Curious and highly motivated, with a dedication to learning and taking on new challenges
• Able to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Well organised and adaptable with the ability to plan and prioritise workload
• If you are excited by this role and bring a demonstrated aptitude for mathematics, we encourage you to apply, as we value perspectives from a diverse range of academic backgrounds.

Benefits 

We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here) and highlights include:   

• £35,227 base salary.
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions.
• Take part in our Skern Lodge residential to develop new skills and build your network.

Our commitment to ED&I 

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email earlycareerstalent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require any help or adjustments_._

AI may be used for preparation purposes only. All responses submitted during interviews and assessments must be your own work.

To maintain a fair recruitment process, candidates are limited to two applications across our Early Careers programmes. If you apply for multiple roles, we may contact you to discuss which opportunities best match your skills and interests.

Applications are due to close at 23:59 on 8th November 2026. As we're expecting strong interest, we encourage you to apply early, as the vacancy may close sooner if we receive a high volume of applications. More information can be found here. 

Qualifications