Analytical Radiochemist – Year in Industry

AWE; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE is offering a placement year at Aldermaston for students in Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics who are working towards a degree and graduating in 2029 or 2030. The role combines office and laboratory work, with a 9-day fortnight and no guaranteed home working due to security.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in dosimetry, radiometrology and environmental monitoring, learning from subject matter experts and contributing to safety and mission-critical analysis for government

Qualifications

• Working towards a degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, or a combined Chemistry/Physics subject.
• Minimum grade requirement: 2.2.
• You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030.

Responsibilities

• Dosimetry: analyse bioassay and workplace-monitoring samples to assess internal exposure.
• Radiometrology: gain experience in gamma spectroscopy and related techniques with training provided.
• Environmental monitoring: support laboratory analysis, data handling and reporting for decommissioning or monitoring projects.

Skills

Scientific curiosity

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Chemistry/Environmental Science/Physics

Job description

Why this role matters

Use science to support safety, compliance and mission-critical work. You’ll help provide trusted radiological analysis, environmental monitoring and technical evidence that supports AWE, government requirements and the safe operation of our sites.

At a glance

• Entry requirement: You should be working towards a degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics or a combined Chemistry/Physics subject. Minimum grade requirement: 2.2. You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030.
• Security clearance: You must be a UK national, hold a UK passport, have lived in the UK for the past 10 years and be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.
• Working pattern: A 9-day working fortnight, with every second Friday off. This is an office and laboratory-based role at Aldermaston, near Reading. Due to the nature and security of the work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home.
• Key dates:
  • Applications close: 31 October 2026
  • Start date: 2 August 2027

The placement opportunities

• Dosimetry: Analyse bioassay and workplace-monitoring samples to assess potential internal exposure, using specialist and standard laboratory equipment.
• Radiometrology: Build experience in gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectroscopy, with possible modelling and coding. Training is provided.
• Environmental monitoring: Support environmental monitoring or decommissioning through laboratory analysis, data handling, reporting and teamwork.

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an office and laboratory-based placement. Due to the nature and security of our work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home for part of the week. Being onsite means you’ll learn directly from subject matter experts, access hands‑on support and build connections across technical teams. This day‑to‑day access can accelerate your development and help you get more from your placement year.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Scientific curiosity: You enjoy asking questions and understanding how scientific evidence is produced and applied.
• Attention to detail: You can work carefully, follow processes and recognise the importance of accurate results.
• Problem-solving: You’re ready to investigate challenges, interpret information and suggest practical next steps.
• Collaboration: You can share ideas, learn from specialists and contribute positively to a team.

Where this placement could take you

You’ll gain practical laboratory and analytical experience, build confidence with specialist equipment and understand how scientific teams support major programmes. The placement can prepare you for future careers in radiochemistry, analytical science, environmental monitoring, dosimetry or related technical fields, with the potential to return to AWE through a future graduate opportunity.

What happens after you apply

• Online application Submit your application as soon as possible.
• Online testing If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments, with practice materials available.
• Virtual assessment centre Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected between October 2026 and January 2027. Date TBC
• Pre-assessment support You’ll be invited to a webinar with practical guidance on what to expect.
• Offer and clearance If successful, you’ll move into the offer and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 2 August 2027.

Applications close on 31 October 2026, but apply as soon as possible. We will close the role early once we receive enough applications.