Dispersion Scientist

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
AWE's Radiological Assessment Team have a couple of exciting opportunities for Atmospheric Dispersion Scientists.
These roles support atmospheric dispersion and hazard prediction through experimental trials, scientific research, and software model development. These roles will provide the successful candidates with interesting and unique work on a daily basis.
Location: Aldermaston, Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.
Although flexible working is available, and there are opportunities to work from home, due to the nature of these roles, it is anticipated that successful candidates will spend a proportion of their time working on site, dependent on the work being undertaken.
Package: £38,000 - £60,000 (depending on suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).
A relocation package may be available - terms and conditions apply.
Closing Date: 8th March 2024
If we receive an exceptionally high level of applications, this vacancy may close early, so don't delay, apply now!
The Role:
The Systems Assessment Group (SAG) in the Physics function, is a multi-discipline group that provides mission effectiveness and weapon effects assessments to AWE and our government stakeholders. SAG also contribute to a range of capabilities in support of the UK’s national nuclear security and treaty verification requirements.
The Radiological Assessment Team (RAT) within SAG covers a broad range encompassing radiation transport, atmospheric physics, and nuclear physics. We undertake fundamental scientific research, experimental trials, software model development and operational analysis to provide strategic answers directly into our customer community.
The role will consist of:
Leading, and participating in, the research and development of appropriate tools to predict the hazards associated with an atmospheric release of radiological material. This includes, but is not restricted to:

• Running and developing atmospheric dispersion models.
  
• Conducting consequence assessments for specific scenarios of interest
  

• Participation in experimental trials and collaboration with overseas organisations (overseas travel will be involved)
  
  • Research and modelling to determine source term parameters.
    
  • Planning and delivery of technical assessments using appropriate methodologies.
    
  • Engaging with technical communities across AWE.
    
  • Contributing to interactions with international partners and external stakeholders in their field.
    
  • Providing innovative and novel solutions to complex problems with a view to leading activities in their domain.
    

Who Are We Looking For?
To be considered for this opportunity, you’ll need the following:

• A PhD in physics, maths, computer science or an equivalent STEM-based discipline, or graduates with relevant post-graduate experience.
  
• Experience in code development for scientific programming.
  
• Experience in Python and/or MatLab.
  
• A methodical approach in undertaking technical research and conducting technical assessments to draw sound scientific conclusions.
  
• Communicate clearly both verbally and through technical reports.
  
• Be able to interpret, analyse and present data in a coherent and engaging manner.
  

A specialism in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous but not essential:

• Nuclear physics.
  
• Atmospheric physics.
  
• Atmospheric dispersion.
  
• Aerosolisation.
  
• Meteorology.
  
• Computational physics modelling.
  

What will you get from us?
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 (including Bank Holidays).
  
• 9-day working fortnight - our employees have every other Friday off work.
  
• Flexible working hours.
  
• 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.
  
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
  
• 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 market leading contributory pension scheme (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 savings.
  
• 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.
  

Important things you need to know:

• Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams. You will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation in advance.
  
• Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.
  

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* Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment
Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.