The posting
Nuclear fusion represents the ultimate clean energy solution. We are reviving a promising 1980s magnetic confinement reactor architecture, with a unique plasma stabilization mechanism. Modern technology resolves the historical power limitations of the concept, enabling stable, steady-state confinement and paving the way for scalable fusion power.
We’re looking for a scientific co-founder to join the venture. This role presents an extraordinary opportunity to pioneer breakthroughs at the frontier of fusion science while steering a high-impact commercial venture onto the global stage. The aim is to spin the company out of DSV over the coming months.
Requirements
As Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), you will lead our scientific strategy from core plasma physics to experimental validation aiming to extrapolate results toward a neutron source and, ultimately, a commercially viable reactor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the plasma-physics and scientific roadmap.
- Integrate theory, computation, experiments and diagnostics into a coherent validation program.
- Translate critical scientific uncertainties into testable hypotheses and decisive experimental campaigns.
- Establish the scientific basis for extrapolation from experiments to neutron-source and power-plant conditions.
- Provide scientific direction for technology development and reactor optimization.
Ownership & Accountability:
- Own the scientific validity of the fusion concept and the evidence supporting its continued development.
- Define the principal scientific uncertainties, assumptions, validation criteria and stopping conditions.
- Own the hierarchy of computational models, from reduced models to higher-fidelity simulations, including their verification, reproducibility and documentation.
- Define experimental objectives, parameter scans, diagnostic requirements and scientific acceptance criteria.
- Lead interpretation of experimental results and ensure models are updated, constrained or rejected when contradicted by evidence.
- Approve model validation, uncertainty bounds and the permitted domain of extrapolation.
- Define the validated plasma operating envelope used to guide experimental-machine, neutron-source and reactor design.
- Build and lead a lean scientific capability spanning computation, experiments and diagnostics, using external specialists and facilities where they improve speed, independence or capital efficiency.
- Jointly with the CTO, provide technical sign-off on experimental campaigns, major development milestones and decisions at the science/engineering interface.
- Maintain an accurate, decision-ready view of scientific progress, evidence, assumptions, uncertainties and risks for the CEO and founding team.
- Support external communications, fundraising, grant applications and technical due diligence when scientific expertise is required.
Experience
- Deep expertise in plasma physics and fusion science, with sufficient understanding of fusion neutron production and reactor-level requirements to connect plasma behavior, experiments and models to neutron-source and power-plant objectives.
- Demonstrated experience developing or directing predictive plasma-modeling workflows, including high-performance computing and integration of models with experimental data.
- Strong command of model assumptions, boundary conditions, numerical convergence, verification, validation and uncertainty - not simply experience running established codes.
- Demonstrated experience designing, commissioning or operating fusion, plasma, accelerator or comparable experiments, with direct responsibility for experimental design, diagnostics, plasma operations or interpretation of commissioning results.
- Track record of translating uncertain physical phenomena into testable hypotheses, decision-relevant experiments and defensible scientific conclusions.
- Demonstrated experience connecting plasma models or experimental results to neutron-source or reactor-level performance requirements.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary researchers and work effectively with engineering teams.
- Ability to communicate scientific decisions, limitations and risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Mindset
As CSO, you are a hands-on, founder-oriented scientist, who combines intellectual directness with an evidence-led and validation-oriented, scientific rigor. You approach first-of-a-kind scientific challenges with resourcefulness, capital efficiency, and a relentless focus on delivery, safety, and scientific excellence. You address complex plasma physics, accounting for the engineering reality, turning fundamental science into functioning systems while establishing a transparent, resilient, and collaborative culture.
Benefits
As a co-founder, you will join on the ground floor with complete agency and full autonomy. You will have full responsibility to shape the culture, strategy, and execution from day one, influencing the company's overall direction and long-term success.
The founding team will collectively hold a majority equity stake in the company. Salary is negotiated as part of the spin-out process, and post-launch, DSV provides continuous portfolio support across fundraising, partnerships, and recruitment.
About DSV
Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is on a mission to create a future in which both humans and the planet can thrive. We use our unique venture creation process to create, spin-out, and invest in science companies, combining available scientific knowledge and founder-type scientists into high-impact ventures. Operating in four sectors - Pharmaceuticals, Climate, Agriculture, and Computation - we tackle the challenges defining these areas by taking a first principles approach and partnering with leading institutions.
