Experimental 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 is currently recruiting for an Experimental Physicist for the Radiation Science Group
Location:Aldermaston, West Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.
Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.
Package: £40,000-£42,000 ( depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
Closing Date : 3rd July 2024
If we receive an exceptionally high level of applications, this vacancy may close early, so don't delay, apply now!
The Role
This role is ideally suited to a physicist who enjoys hands-on physics experiments and has an interest in the design of experiments and analysis of results.
Working within the Radiation Science Group the successful candidate will be required to undertake frequent visits to overseas facilities to perform radiation effects experiments on pulsed power platforms and nuclear research reactors.
In addition to supporting the design and fielding of experiments you will also support development and fielding of diagnostic techniques. You will work with a variety of teams to design bespoke experiments to support both our core product and our modelling programme to ensure the right data is gathered to progress the maturity of the models we use.
Who Are We Looking For?
You will have a strong degree in Physics or a related subject with a focus on applied science.
Postgraduate degrees such as MPhys, MSc, MEng, and PhD would also be welcome.
Experience in some of the following disciplines would be desirable, but is not essential:

• Experiments at large test facilities.
  
• Experienced in working in a safe manner in laboratory environments.
  
• Development of National Instruments Labview code.
  
• Experience designing and fielding novel diagnostics.
  
• An understanding of how radiation interacts with matter.
  
• Programming language such as Python or C++
  
• Linux/HPC computer environments.
  

A successful candidate will have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage their own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
A willingness to travel overseas is essential to participate in experimental campaigns.
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 - 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.
  
• 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.
  

Important things you need to know:

• You must be a UK national who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years.
  
• 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.
  

Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment
Please note that you must be a British Citizen 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.