FOSTER Fusion Energy Summer Internship - Data Visualisation

Working arrangements

This role is based predominately onsite in our easily accessible premises in Milton Park, Abingdon. There is free car parking onsite and excellent public transport connections.

Proposed Start date: Monday, 6 July 2026

End Date: Friday, 28 August 2026

Application deadline: Friday, 29 May 2026

The Role

ST40 is a spherical tokamak designed and operated by Tokamak Energy Ltd. The device is equipped with a wide range of diagnostic systems used to monitor and analyse the plasma it generates. To support the visualisation of these diagnostic systems, a Python-based web application built using Dash is used.

We are recruiting a Summer Placement Student to join the Diagnostics Data and Control team, with a focus on new web-based data visualisation development. In this role, the student will begin by exploring and understanding an existing data visualisation package currently used by the team. With guidance and support, they will contribute ideas for how this package could be made more modular and reusable and help implement improvements so that similar approaches can be applied to future projects.

The student will have the opportunity to research and experiment with a range of scientific data visualisation tools and libraries, develop an understanding of their strengths, and help assess which approaches best suit the team’s needs. This placement is intended to be a learning experience, and it is fully expected that they will build new skills over the course of the placement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Research and contribute ideas toward the modularisation strategy for an existing data visualisation package

• Support the development of Python‑based data visualisation tools, contributing to new or improved functionality

• Develop a deeper understanding of Python programming, including good coding practices and maintainable design

• Learn about the visualisation of complex scientific data and effective ways to communicate insights clearly

• Work collaboratively with the wider team to understand requirements and help deliver agreed tasks

• Present proposed strategies and implemented work at internal team meetings, with guidance and support

Requirements:
Requirements and Attributes We Value

• Familiarity with, and confidence using, Python programming, along with a willingness to develop skills further and learn good coding practices

• An interest in plasma physics and tokamaks; prior familiarity would be beneficial but is not essential

• Some awareness of Git, version control, or software development practices would be advantageous, but is optional

• Any experience with databases is welcomed, though not required

• A strong willingness to learn new skills and engage with unfamiliar technical topics

• Commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing in the workplace

• Clear communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and communicate with the stakeholders
• We welcome applications from undergraduate students in physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, confidence in quantitative work, and some experience with programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Prior experience in plasma physics or fusion is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who can clearly explain their motivation for the project and demonstrate how they have applied technical or computational skills in practice. We recognise that students have had different access to opportunities and will consider potential as well as prior experience.

Benefits:
• Payment of £4,500
• Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation

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.

We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.