Radiation Protection Officer

Working Arrangements

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split.

Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis

Overview

Radiation Safety is a core part of the Safety team at Tokamak Energy, taking a holistic approach to the protection of workers, the public, and the environment from the hazardous effects of ionising radiation.

Initially offered on a 12m FTC basis the, the Radiation Protection Officer is responsible for ensuring company-wide compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17), and with permit conditions set under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 (EPR16) for the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste. As the designated subject matter expert in radiation protection, the Radiation Protection Officer acts as a key point of contact for external regulatory bodies.

The Radiation Protection Officer plays a critical role in ensuring that the company remains aligned with evolving expectations for radiological protection in the fusion sector, contributing to stakeholder engagement and regulatory readiness.

The role also involves leading and managing the Health Physics team, ensuring appropriate radiological protection practices are implemented, developing local rules and contingency plans, and supporting the safe delivery of operational programmes involving ionising radiation, including D-D fusion, activated materials, and low-level radioactive waste streams.

•  Reporting to the EHS Manager, Radiation Protection Officer assumes overall responsibility for all aspects of radiological protection across the organisation.
• Develop, review, and implement Radiation Risk Assessments (RRAs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Local Rules, contingency plans, and other radiological safety documentation to ensure safe systems of work and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and manage the team, including performance management, regular 1-to-1s, mentoring, and support for professional development and technical growth.
• Provide authoritative radiation protection advice to Senior Management and the EHS Manager on compliance with relevant legislation, including IRR17 and EPR16, and emerging fusion regulatory frameworks with guidance from RPA.
• Lead the development and delivery of radiation protection training across the business, ensuring staff are appropriately informed and competent in relation to their roles and radiological risks.
• Offer expert guidance to teams across the company on the safe use, transport, storage, security, and disposal of radioactive sources, sealed sources, and other radioactive materials in accordance with permit and licensing conditions.
• Prepare for and support audits, inspections, and assessments by external regulatory bodies, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA), and other third parties.
• Support the EHS Manager with additional duties as required, contributing to the wider safety culture and compliance strategy across Tokamak Energy.

Requirements

Essential

• A scientific degree and/or a recognised technical qualification in radiation protection
• Extensive knowledge of IRR17, EPR16, and related guidance (e.g., HSE L121, RSR).
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
• Experience in managing radioactive waste and sealed sources.
• High attention to detail and data analysis skills.
• Ability to respond effectively in emergencies.

Desirable

• Understanding of radiation transport regulation (CDG, IAEA SSR-6).
• Working toward RPA2000 qualification
• Experience with non-ionising radiation safety (e.g., laser, EMF).
• Environmental or H&S NEBOSH or equivalent
• Full membership of SRP and / or AURPO
• Chartered status (e.g., CRadP) or in progress.

Requirements and attributes we value:

• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject and an ability to advise on what they know and implement it effectively
• Willingness and ability to manage a team, drawing upon their diverse expertise and developing them
• Excellent, presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and an ability to interpret complex and vast datasets
• Willingness to engage with other aspects of safety outside of radiation.

• Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Discretionary 3-day festive break depending on business needs
• Eligible for discretionary performance related bonus
• Share options scheme
• Pension scheme
• Financial benefits – including; group life insurance, critical illness, health cash plan and discount scheme 
• Innovation and Merit bonuses
• Investment in training and development to support career progression
• Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

• Working at height (ladders, scissor lifts, cherry pickers & scaffolding)
• Working with ionising radiation
• Use of welding equipment
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields

Company background

What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security?  What if that energy source could also help address climate change?  The answer is fusion energy – the power of the stars. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford with have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion.

In addition to fusion, Tokamak Energy is recognised as a world leader in transformative High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on enabling new levels of performance and becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets, including renewable energy, medicine, science and propulsion in water, land, air and space. 

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from UK Atomic Energy Authority, currently employs a growing team of over 260 people with experts from the UK and around the world.  It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities.  The company has more than 75 families of patent applications and has raised $335 million, comprising $275m from private investors and $60m from the UK and U.S. governments.  Our U.S. subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable fusion energy for all.

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.