AWE
work experience

Analytical Radiochemist Placement Programme

Job description

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

About the Year in Industry

As a Radiochemistry placement student, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class scientists in an exciting part of AWE that provides a wide range of analytical capabilities and expert advice to AWE and government agencies / external customers, whilst ensuring AWE meets regulatory and licence condition compliance.

Three placements are available:

  • Radiochemistry with Mass Spectrometry Placement

Lab-based placement split between two teams who use radiochemistry separations to isolate and purify trace actinides from environmental samples prior to measurement, using Inorganic mass spectrometry to characterise isotopic & elemental signatures. Previous experience with radiochemistry or isotope mass spectrometry would be preferable.

  • Radiochemistry with Radiation Detection Placement

Lab-based placement split between two teams who use radiochemistry separations to isolate and purify a range of nuclides of interest from environmental and radioactive samples with measurements through gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectroscopy. Previous coding experience would be preferable although there will be ample opportunities to learn throughout the placement.

  • Radiation Detection Scientist Placement

Lab and desk-based placement performing radiometric analysis and data analysis for multiple customers across AWE and UK government. This placement will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to plan and perform their own analysis using gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry as well as other novel detection systems. Experience will also be gained in data science methods although previous experience is not essential and ample training will be provided.

The Benefits

  • The opportunity to learn from subject matter experts and to develop skills that are applicable across many industries.
  • A salary of £22,250
  • A market leading contributory pension scheme. We will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution.
  • Every second Friday off. We do this by working a 41-hour week followed by a 33-hour week.
  • 270 hours annual leave a year that includes an allowance for bank holidays.
  • Access to the employee discounts portal – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.

Starting date

Undergraduate Placement Induction start date will be August 2025, so please avoid taking leave during this period if you are successful. This role is offered on a 12-month contract.

What we are looking for

  • Interest in Radiochemistry. Candidates will be studying for a degree in Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, or combined Chemistry/Physics.
  • Growth Mindset; You’re full of grit and determination. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
  • Curious; you’re a person who loves to think outside the box. (You’re a person who loves to take the box apart!).
  • Innovative; you’re open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
  • Resilience; you’re an advocate of ‘speaking up’ for yourself and others openly and constructively.
  • Team Worker; you’re dependable and reliable. You’re interested in collaborating with and supporting others.
  • Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.
  • Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

Location
Aldermaston
Salary
£22,250

Contract, dates and working times
Fixed term

Full-time

How to apply

If eligible you will be invited to complete online testing against various numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests, you will be given access to practice ahead of completing them.

Those successful at testing will be invited to our virtual assessment centres running throughout the period 14 October to 14 December 2024, and early into January 2025.

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

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.

Contact us

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 30 November 2024

Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

Closing date:  30 November 2024

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