Applied & Theoretical Scientist - Year in Industry Placement

Prospects; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Prospects at Aldermaston offers a placement year where you apply physics, mathematics and computation to real-world problems in radiation science, physics modelling and extreme materials. You will work with engineers and scientists on experimental and computational analyses to understand complex systems.

You will gain hands-on experience in scientific modelling, measurement, data analysis and computational methods, preparing you for careers in applied physics, scientific computing or data

Qualifications

• Working towards at least a 2:2 degree in Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, Structural Engineering or Computer Science.
• UK national with a UK passport and 10 years UK residence eligibility for DV clearance.
• Willing to work onsite in Aldermaston with a 9-day working fortnight, every second Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Radiation science: support radiation detection, measurement and analysis using experimental and computational approaches.
• Physics modelling: explore photon, electron or neutron behaviour using modelling codes such as MCNP.
• Extreme materials: simulate or measure material properties in unusual states, including conditions found inside stars and planets.
• Algorithms and assessment: develop computational algorithms and apply complex mathematical assessment to real physics problems.

Job description

Use physics, mathematics and computation to solve complex scientific problems. You’ll apply scientific theory, modelling and measurement to help understand complex physical systems and support the lifecycle of mission-critical technologies.

What you could work on

• Radiation science: Support radiation detection, measurement and analysis using experimental and computational approaches.
• Physics modelling: Explore photon, electron or neutron behaviour using modelling codes such as MCNP.
• Extreme materials: Simulate or measure material properties in unusual states, including conditions found inside stars and planets.
• Algorithms and assessment: Develop computational algorithms and apply complex mathematical assessment to real physics problems.

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an office, laboratory and site-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.

Where this placement could take you

You’ll gain practical experience in scientific modelling, measurement, data analysis, computational methods and technical problem-solving. The placement can prepare you for careers in applied physics, theoretical physics, scientific computing, modelling, data science or related technical fields, with the potential to return to AWE through a future graduate opportunity.

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.

You should be working towards at least a 2:2 degree in Physics, Mathematics, Data Science, Structural Engineering or Computer Science.

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.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Analytical thinking: You enjoy breaking complex scientific problems into clear, logical steps.
• Mathematical confidence: You can apply quantitative methods and use evidence to explore technical questions.
• Computational curiosity: You’re interested in modelling, coding or using digital tools to test scientific ideas.
• Collaboration: You can learn from specialists, communicate your thinking and contribute positively to a small team.