Computational Modelling Physicists

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific organization in the UK is looking for Computational Physicists at various career stages. The role involves modeling nuclear weapons and experimental physics using bespoke software. Candidates should have a degree in a numerate discipline and knowledge in areas such as hydrodynamics or thermodynamics, alongside programming experience in languages like C, C++, or Fortran. Competitive salaries ranging from £31,000 to £65,000 based on experience and qualifications are offered.

Benefits

270 hours of annual leave

9-day working fortnight

Flexible working hours

Family friendly policies

Professional Career Development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance

Discounts on everyday spending

Paid time off for volunteering

Qualifications

• A degree in a numerate discipline or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge in hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, or related physics areas.
• Experience in developing large-scale parallel codes.

Responsibilities

• Model nuclear weapons and related experimental physics.
• Develop novel algorithms to solve complex physics problems.
• Provide user support for bespoke software.

Skills

Knowledge of hydrodynamics

Knowledge of thermodynamics

Numerical methods for hyperbolic problems

Programming in C, C++, Fortran

Scripting skills in Perl, Python, Bash

Parallel programming using MPI, OpenMP, CUDA

Experience in software testing

Effective communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics

Tools

Unix/Linux

Job description

AWE's Physics function is expanding, and we are looking for Computational Physicists, at various stages of their careers, to join us!

AWE offers a diverse and unique scientific computing platform on a scale that only a handful of sites across the UK offer. It utilises multiple small development and large HPC platforms with novel architectures that are routinely used for code porting and research related activities.

Location: Aldermaston, West Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.

Salary

• Junior Physicists (recent graduates): £31,000 - £35,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
• Experienced Physicists (PhD or graduates with post-graduate experience): £38,000 - £46,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
• Senior Physicists (experienced physicists with qualifications coupled with experience in industry): £52,000 - £65,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Closing Date: 2nd April 2024

About The Role

In support of our important mission to underpin the current and future nuclear deterrent, security, and threat reduction programmes, we have opportunities available in the Computational Physics Group.

As part of this group, you will help our mission of providing bespoke software and expertise used to model nuclear weapons and associated experimental physics at AWE. You will help to deliver large-scale, highly parallel applications to solve complex physics problems, modernise and improve the efficiency, performance, and robustness of these applications, provide direct user support, and develop new and novel algorithms to solve physics problems of interest.

Who Are We Looking For?

Whilst the following shouldn't be considered a checklist, we are interested in hearing from candidates who have and can demonstrate knowledge or experience in several of the following areas:

• A degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or other numerate discipline; equivalent NQF level 6 qualification or equivalent experience.
• A knowledge of physics in any of the following areas:
  • hydrodynamics,
  • thermodynamics,
  • material, particle, or radiative transport,
  • turbulence, mixing or atomic physics,
  • EMP, linear/non-linear wave propagation, atmospheric transport.
• Knowledge of some areas of numerical analysis, possibly including:
  • finite difference methods for ODEs/PDEs,
  • finite element methods for ODEs/PDEs,
  • numerical methods for hyperbolic problems,
  • methods for sparse linear systems.
• A knowledge of computer programming in some of the following areas:
  • The optimisation and running of large scientific calculations.
  • Experience of working in Unix/Linux environment.
  • Familiarity with C, C++, Fortran or similar high-level language and strong scripting skills (preferably Perl, Python and Bash) and a willingness to improve on these.
  • Knowledge of good software development practices, including the use of tools to support this purpose.
  • Experience of developing large scale, highly parallel codes through mechanisms such as MPI, OpenMP or CUDA.
  • Experience in software testing.
• Experience of developing physics-based algorithms and the ability to analyse results.
• Experience in applying numerical modelling codes/tools to investigate complex physics processes.
• A methodical approach to problem solving with the ability to draw together and interpret data from a variety of sources to reach a conclusion.
• The ability to work independently and unsupervised, as well as within a team to achieve common goals.
• The ability to be flexible, self‑motivated and to handle multiple tasks.
• The ability to provide technical input, within your own field of expertise, that can influence a project, team or end user.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written

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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