About the job

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is seeking a talented and motivated Materials Scientist to join the Target Fabrication Group within the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. This role is focused on supporting the UK’s Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) programme, working in a highly collaborative research environment to develop and manufacture advanced targets for fusion experiments. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new materials and fabrication techniques for IFE targets, including using microfluidics and soft lithography to create complex 3D structures and low-density foams, as well as incorporating dopants and multilayers. Key responsibilities include fabricating, characterising, and metrologising target components using advanced diagnostics like SEM, Raman, FTIR, and AFM, maintaining a target component database, collaborating with project partners, and presenting research findings at conferences. The role requires a strong understanding of microfabrication, metrology, material characterisation, and design for manufacture. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant area (materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering), experience in fabrication and characterisation of micro-structured components, and good project management and communication skills. The position offers a salary of £35,500 to £39,000 per annum and includes visa sponsorship support. The role provides the opportunity to work on high-impact, cutting-edge research contributing to the UK’s fusion energy goals.