Data Scientist - Year in Industry Programme 2026

targetjobs UK; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization is offering a rewarding one-year placement as an Undergraduate Data Scientist in Aldermaston. You will work within a multidisciplinary team contributing to national security by analyzing complex datasets. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in fields such as Computer Science and should demonstrate a minimum 2:2 by August 2026. The role provides a starting salary of £23,500, excellent benefits, and potential for a graduate role post-university.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 270 hours annually

9-day working fortnight – every other Friday off

Salary-sacrifice benefit scheme

Access to savings across retail, hospitality and leisure

Qualifications

• Evidence a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2026.
• Must be a British National and eligible for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the analysis and understanding of data gathered for national security.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team applying data science techniques.

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Forensics, Physics, Chemistry, Maths

Job description

Overview

Starting salary £23,500 + benefits and welcome bonus. Office based in Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire. We are offering a rewarding one-year placement as an Undergraduate Data Scientist at AWE, a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.

Entry Requirements

• Applications from candidates working towards a degree in Computer Science, Forensics, Physics, Chemistry, Maths
• You must be able to evidence a minimum 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026
• You must be able to join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis and will close as soon as positions are filled

What to Expect on the Programme

Nuclear Threat Reduction (NTR) supports the Government on national security issues related to radiological and nuclear materials. The work ranges from fundamental and novel research to applied development of technology demonstrators. We support the Ministry of Defence by providing technical advice on detection of nuclear and radiological material, nuclear forensics and international treaty monitoring and verification. These mission areas involve collection and analysis of large, complex datasets across various scientific techniques.

This project aims to investigate the use of data science techniques to contribute to the analysis and understanding of data gathered in support of the NTR mission. As an undergraduate, you will gain experience working within a multidisciplinary team of scientists applying data science techniques across a range of datasets.

Benefits

• £23,500 salary
• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming graduate social scene
• 9-day working fortnight – every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• Potential to secure a Graduate role upon completing university, subject to availability
• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Application Process

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

• Online Application – Opens 15 September. Apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
• Online Tests – If shortlisted, you will complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials are available.
• Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual ACs running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars.

You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24 October, but may close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Reasonable adjustments are encouraged if required to ensure you can perform your best. Any information shared will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and a buddy to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.