Lead Data 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.

About the Job

The Data Solutions Unit within UKAEA’s Computing Division delivers innovative research, development, and specialist support across data engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, FAIR data architectures, high-performance computing, and advanced digital technologies. Working at the forefront of fusion research, the team develops secure, scalable data solutions that enable scientists and engineers to optimise their work, accelerate discovery, and support the development of future fusion technologies through collaboration with academia, industry, and partners across UKAEA.

This is an opportunity to shape the future application of artificial intelligence in fusion research, working at the intersection of AI, HPC, and scientific discovery. As part of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning team, you will provide research leadership in the application of AI/ML to complex fusion challenges. You will lead multidisciplinary research programmes, collaborate with international experts, and develop innovative solutions using advanced computing environments, including High-Performance Computing (HPC). With significant autonomy, you will influence research direction, develop new opportunities, publish impactful research, and represent UKAEA as a leading voice in AI-enabled fusion research.

We are looking for someone with:

• Expert knowledge of Scientific AI applications.

• Expert knowledge in fusion research.

• Experience developing and applying AI/ML solutions using frameworks such as PyTorch and JAX.

• A strong track record of research publications, conference contributions, and knowledge sharing within the AI/ML community.

• Experience in leading teams of specialised AI researchers to accelerate the delivery of fusion energy.

• Experience developing and scaling AI/ML workflows across High Performance Computing (HPC) and cloud environments using technologies such as SLURM, Ray, Horovod, Kubeflow, and Docker.

• Knowledge of FAIR data principles, data governance, and data engineering practices to support robust, scalable, and reproducible research.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead a team of 6-9 researchers in the domain of AI for fusion energy.

• Lead the development and application of advanced AI/ML techniques using HPC and exascale technologies to support fusion research.

• Provide strategic technical AI leadership across complex multidisciplinary research programmes, collaborations, and projects.

• Drive innovation in AI-enabled fusion research by identifying opportunities, solving complex challenges, and advancing new approaches.

• Apply expert judgement to influence research strategy, manage technical risks, evaluate solutions, and support high-impact decision making.

• Analyse complex technical challenges and develop innovative solutions where established approaches may not apply.

• Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, provide expert advice, publish research outcomes, and represent UKAEA through national and international collaborations.

• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary research teams, mentoring emerging talent and building capability across AI, machine learning, and scientific computing.

• Manage complex projects, partnerships, resources, and funding opportunities to deliver impactful research outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a computational, mathematical, physical science, or related discipline, with significant research or industry experience.

• Established expertise and reputation in AI/ML or a related field

• Proven experience leading research teams, managing complex projects, resources, and external collaborations.

• Strong track record of research publications and contributions to the AI/ML or scientific computing community.

• Advanced programming experience in compiled or scripting languages (e.g. C++, Fortran, Rust, Julia, Python, or R) with strong UNIX/Linux experience.

• Experience applying agile development practices, software engineering principles, and collaborative research approaches.

• Knowledge of relevant standards, governance frameworks, data principles, and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to take ownership of complex technical challenges and influence stakeholders across disciplines.

UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.

Benefits

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

• A salary of £71,815 inclusive of a £7,700 specialist allowance)

• Up to 7% corporate performance bonus

• Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution

• 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays

• 3 days of site closure over Christmas break

• Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions

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, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.

Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit and further information can be found here.

Additional information

International travels for short periods of 3-5 days are typical of roles at this level, to nurture collaborations and attend key conferences and workshops in this area of research.

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