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SalaryAWE has exciting opportunities for a Detection Scientist to join our Radiochemistry Group, bringing their experience to AWE and to successfully play a key role delivering for our customers.
The Nuclear Verification and Detector Physics team within the Materials & Analytical Science (MAS) Function support multiple customers by providing technical advice and measurement of samples in relation to Dosimetry, Regulatory requirements, and Nuclear Threat Reduction at AWE.
Detection Scientist
Location: Reading
Salary: £26,200 - £39,300 (depending on your suitability and level of experience)
Closing Date: 17th May 2024
As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:
- Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
- Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
- Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
- A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
- Life Assurance
- Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
- Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
- A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site
Nuclear Verification and Detector Physics is currently looking for a Detection Scientist to work within the environmental, dosimetry and nuclear forensics areas. The job is a multi-disciplinary role where you can be expected to design and use detection equipment for measurement of radioactive samples, analyse and compare data, participate in proficiency tests and experimental campaigns, and conduct research and development as required. The core analytical method used by the team is high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry.
This work includes Nuclear Forensics, developing new radiometric techniques, designing experimental campaigns to underpin routine and criticality accident dosimetry, and working towards maintaining science underpinning treaties such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. This is achieved through the development and operation of radiation measurement laboratories and in-field equipment and the application of technical expertise in detection science, data analysis and radiochemistry interpretation areas.
We are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate knowledge or experience in several of the following areas:
- A degree level science qualification, preferably in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science or a related field, however we will consider applications from candidates with laboratory experience without a degree level science qualification.
- Knowledge and/or experience in one or more areas of Radiochemistry, Radiation Physics, Radiation Detection, Nuclear Reactors, Dosimetry, Detection Science or Mathematics
- Programming experience in languages such as C++, VBA, Python, Java, GEANT4 or MCNP is desirable.
- Good communication skills, both written and oral, and able to communicate information in a clear and concise manner
- Good organisational skills: capable of multi-tasking, identifying and managing priorities to meet defined time scales
- Good problem solving and analytical skills
- Experience of working within a team towards common goals
- A positive attitude and able to adapt well to change
- Willingness to represent AWE externally and able to travel abroad if required
All Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role
