Fusion Materials Scientist

About the role Materials’ performance and qualification are central to the design of a fusion power plant. In-vessel and blanket systems must combine low activation, thermal and mechanical performance, resistance to irradiation and corrosion, tritium control, manufacturability and a credible industrial supply chain. These requirements involve metals, ceramics, composites, coatings, joints and breeder or shielding materials. GFG is looking for a Fusion Materials Scientist to work across various aspects of material science. The role connects design, Materials properties, Materials Concepts, manufacturing, and supply-chain work, in collaboration with industrial partners, universities and national and international laboratories. The successful candidate will support Gauss Fusion's current and planned materials portfolio, including low-activation steels, first-wall and blanket interfaces, SiC-based materials, shielding materials, breeder-material lifecycles and irradiation-relevant qualification. Assignments may include activities along a broad range of Projects, according to active priorities and approved project scopes. Main responsibilities Translate plant and component functions, load cases, interfaces, safety requirements and lifetime targets into materials requirements and acceptance criteria Lead materials activities across metals, ceramics, composites, coatings, joints, breeder materials and shielding materials Define qualification strategies and phased test programmes from material screening and coupons to representative mock-ups and components Plan and review chemical, microstructural, mechanical and thermophysical characterization, including corrosion and compatibility, permeation, fatigue, thermal cycling, high-heat-flux and irradiation-relevant testing as applicable Assess degradation and failure mechanisms and translate test evidence into design decisions, operating limits and lifetime assessments Provide materials input to mechanical design, manufacturing routes, joining and coating development, neutronics and activation, tritium management and nuclear-safety activities Define specimen matrices, test protocols, data-quality requirements, uncertainty treatment, traceability and technical acceptance criteria Develop materials specifications, databases and qualification evidence, and support code-entry and licensing-readiness roadmaps Review supplier and partner deliverables, facilities, process genealogy, quality records and non-destructive examination plans Coordinate technical interfaces, deliverables, risks and decisions across research projects and support the preparation of work packages, proposals and technical reports Evaluate industrial scale-up, supply-chain resilience, recycling and end-of-life implications for fusion-relevant materials Work with Quality, Nuclear Safety and Export Control experts where materials, data or technologies require controlled handling, and attend activities at partner and supplier…