Senior Laser Scientist - Fusion Laser Driver Development – UPLiFT

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £51,242 - £56,366 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Hours: Full-Time

Contract Type: 3 years fixed-term contract

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE

Come and discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Central Laser Facility (CLF), at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, to work on the UK Programme of Laser Inertial Fusion Technology for Energy (UPLiFT). This is a 4 year £10M research programme funded by the UK government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. UPLiFT’s goal is to develop key science and technologies which will be required to realise power generation via laser driven inertial fusion energy (IFE). The successful candidate will be a member of a large multi-disciplinary team working on UPLiFT’s Laser Development work package.

We are seeking to develop an efficient, high-energy laser driver concept, with the potential to provide a low-cost solution to meet the requirements of a future power plant. The work package is tasked to deliver a practical demonstration of key component technology for development of a prototype laser driver, with the capability of delivering an efficient (>10%) source of high energy pulses at 10 pulse per second. Technologies will be based on diode-pumped solid state master-oscillator-power-amplifier (MOPA) laser chains utilising CLF developed DiPOLE multi-slab amplifier technology. Architectures will need to be able to provide the required bandwidth and scalability to meet the requirements of a future laser-driven IFE power plant.

CLF contains many state-of-the-art laser systems and experimental stations, along with expert scientists, engineers and technicians that work with academic and industry users to deliver science across a broad range of fields. We have around 200 staff and are a very friendly, outgoing, externally facing department. We have a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.

About the Role

You will join the Centre for Advanced Laser Technologies and Applications (CALTA) team and support the UPLiFT project developing new laser driver designs, building prototype systems, and conducting experimental test campaigns. You will be working closely with a team of laser scientists and engineers, and will engage with the wider UPLiFT team to understand the implications of fusion physics and targetry design on laser driver specifications. You will also engage with external experts and collaborators in the UK and around the world to gain knowledge and to enhance the research capabilities of the group. You will have the opportunity to present your research at international conferences and publish in high profile peer-reviewed journals.

The key areas of the role include:

• Contributing significantly to the optical design of a new laser driver concept, performing optical modelling of subsystems, and defining prototype specifications.
• Developing modelling activities, including laser energetics and thermal management (CFD & FE) models, to predict system performance and aid design down selection.
• Defining and conducting proof-of-concept tests to de-risk key component technologies.
• Liaising with external suppliers and contractors to determine existing capabilities and future requirements and develop collaborative links with external facilities.
• Working as part of a team liaising with engineers to design key mechanical equipment for prototype testing.
• Leading and managing small team to build and test prototype components in laser laboratory to demonstrate effectiveness of designs.
• Contributing significantly to the strategy for, and definition of, a concept design for a laser driver suitable for scaling to meet the requirements of a future IFE power plant in collaboration with wider UPLiFT project.

About You

You should have significant knowledge of laser science and nonlinear optics. You will be familiar with solid state laser design and have experience of pulsed laser amplification.

You will have experience in modelling or simulations and be able to apply that knowledge to the design of laser systems.

You will have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team of individuals with a varying range of knowledge and experience.

Person Specification

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

• A PhD in physics or a closely related subject (or equivalent experience). (S)
• Post-Doctoral research experience (or equivalent relevant experience) with a record of independent research or autonomous thinking. (S&I)
• Significant knowledge of laser physics and optics. (S&I)
• Recent practical experience in operation, development and modelling of laser systems and optical characterisation. (S&I)
• Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals. (S)
• Competence with MatLAB and/or LabView, and ZEMAX/Optic Studio or other equivalent optical design software. (S&I)
• Knowledge of safety related issues and procedures for operating lasers. (S&I)
• Previous experience in successful management of technical projects and/or people. (S&I)