> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2311810-lead-data-scientist](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2311810-lead-data-scientist). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Data Scientist - **Company:** Fusion Energy Base - **Location:** Abingdon, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £7,700.0 - £71,815.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Information Engineering, Data Governance, Fortran (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Scientific Computating, Software Engineering, Rust (Programming Language), Scripting, Cloud Platform System, High Performance Computing, Pytorch, Julia, Kubernetes, Slurm, Machine Learning Operations, Docker - **Published:** August 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815101808-lead-data-scientist ## About the Role * 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., * 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. ## Description * 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., 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., 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 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. ## Related Videos - [Running Secure Life Science Research at Scale using Hybrid GPU HPC and Kubernetes 🧬](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100355-running-secure-life-science-research-at-scale-using-hybrid-gpu-hpc-and-kubernetes) - [Building and Modernising Apps with Agentic AI - Julia Kordick](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1832-building-and-modernising-apps-with-agentic-ai-julia-kordick) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works) - [Training Bots on Deliveroo Data, Alexa Can Swear and Mushroom Electronics - Julia Kordick](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1839-training-bots-on-deliveroo-data-alexa-can-swear-and-mushroom-electronics-julia-kordick) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk)