About the job

The Central Laser Facility (CLF) at UKRI’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is seeking a Senior Laser Scientist to drive the Fusion Laser Driver Development work package in the £10 million UPLiFT programme, a national initiative to develop the science and technology needed for laser‑driven inertial‑fusion‑energy (IFE) power plants. In this full‑time, on‑site position you will work with a multidisciplinary team to design high‑energy, diode‑pumped solid‑state MOPA laser chains based on CLF’s DiPOLE multi‑slab amplifiers, model laser energetics and thermal management using CFD/FE tools, define and execute proof‑of‑concept tests, lead laboratory build‑and‑test campaigns, and contribute to a scalable driver concept capable of delivering >10 % efficient, 10 Hz pulses for future IFE reactors. Responsibilities include optical design and simulation, prototype specification, liaison with external suppliers and international collaborators, publication of results, and presentation at major conferences. Candidates should hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics or a related field, possess deep expertise in solid‑state laser design, nonlinear optics, laser modelling and characterisation, and demonstrate post‑doctoral research independence plus competence in MATLAB/LabVIEW and optical‐design software such as Zemax/OpticStudio. The role offers a salary of £51,242–£56,366, a one‑year contract with intent to extend to three years, generous pension and leave benefits, flexible working, and Skilled Worker visa sponsorship with potential reimbursement of Home Office fees.