Year in Industry - Applied Radiation Technology

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.

​​​​​​The Applied Radiation Technology Group (ART) develops fusion technologies and underpinning R&D programmes by leading the application and development of nuclear modelling codes, tools, and analysis of nuclear data. The group performs highly detailed, accurate and reliable time-dependent simulations and modelling in neutronics, waste management, and magnet safety to support concept development and detailed design, safety case, and operations. 

As a year in industry student, you will work alongside experts to directly support the delivery of a key R&D project led by the ART group to model and measure nuclear environments, and conduct experiments for validation and verification to drive the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of fusion machines and experiments and support the realisation of fusion power plants. Your responsibilities will include:

• Perform data and nuclear analysis tasks that support the development, validation, and verification of novel experimental techniques, including the adaptation or creation of new methods to enable the realisation of fusion power plants.
• Work alongside experienced staff to gain familiarity with the people, methods, practices, and programmes within the Group and wider Division, including the design, operation, maintenance, and demonstration of nuclear instrumentation where appropriate.
• Develop scientific coding skills to contribute to nuclear analysis methods and tools that enhance the capability and efficiency of the ART group.
• Build knowledge and understanding of fusion-relevant topics and apply this learning to assigned projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve experimental apparatus, process plant systems, and operational practices and methodologies.
• Liaise with other teams and groups to build effective working relationships and support collaborative delivery.
• Ensure that safety, health, and environmental culture and working practices align with UKAEA requirements.
• Promote and support the wider Fusion Technology Division to enable successful project delivery.

• Studying towards a degree within a STEM discipline
• Confident with all Microsoft applications including Excel, Word and Powerpoint
• Driven, with a strong appetite to learn and take 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

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/ but highlights include:

• £23,810 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 and hybrid working options

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. Further information can be found here. UKAEA is committed to being accessible. Please email if you require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis.