Trials Scientist

AWE; England; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE is seeking a Trials Scientist to join the Design Physics Group, focusing on hands-on experiments related to warhead research and nuclear threat reduction. The role requires strong physics knowledge, dynamic experiment design skills, and the ability to lead diverse teams. AWE offers a 9-day working fortnight, a competitive pension scheme, and various family-friendly policies.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

Market leading contributory pension scheme

Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay

Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay

Professional Career Development

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance (4 x annual salary)

Discounts on everyday spending

Special Leave Policy

Qualifications

• Strong degree in Physics or related subject required.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, both overseas and in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research trials and experiments to understand systems under extreme conditions.
• Lead multi-discipline teams through trial lifecycle ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Skills

Applied Science

Data Analysis

Dynamic Experiment Design

Safety Management

Education

Degree in Physics

MPhys

MSc

MEng

PhD

Job description

Trials Scientist

Closing Date: 13th June 2025

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Packages:

• Junior Physicists (recent graduates): £29,490 - £37,000 (depending on your suitability and level of experience). Plus, role specific allowances.

• Experienced Physicists (PHD or graduates with post-grad experience): £38,020 - £43,500 (depending on your suitability and level of experience). Plus, role specific allowances.

• Senior Physicists (experienced physicists with qualifications coupled with experience in industry): £47,860 - £63,000 (depending on your suitability and level of experience). Plus, role specific allowances.

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Let us introduce the role

AWE is currently recruiting for a Trials Scientist and Senior Trials Scientist for the Design Physics Group to support Warhead research and Nuclear Threat Reduction programmes

This role is ideally suited to an applied physicist who enjoys hands-on experiments and trials with an interest in their design and analysis of results.

Working within the Applied Research Projects Team the successful candidate will be required to deliver research trials and experiments of varying complexities, to further the understanding of systems, subsystems, components and materials subject to extreme dynamic conditions. These trials are conducted using explosives in unique facilities and capabilities on and off site, deploying a range of diagnostic techniques.

The successful candidate would lead multi-discipline teams through the lifecycle of the trial to ensure they are delivered safely and effectively to meet customer demands. They would be responsible for key design aspects of the trial, and the analysis and assessment of the data as well as assisting with fielding activities.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• a strong degree in Physics or a related subject with a focus on applied science. Postgraduate degrees such as MPhys, MSc, MEng, and PhD would also be welcome.

• a willingness to travel occasionally, both overseas and in the UK

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, for the senior role in particular, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Dynamic experiment design and fielding, ideally working with explosive or hydrodynamic diagnostic technologies, data analysis and assessment

• Knowledge of the underpinning science related to dynamic material properties, explosives and warhead physics

• Leading or collaborating with multi-discipline teams

• Safety management systems and project processes in a highly regulated environment

• Effectively communicating and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders

You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.

• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).

• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.

• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).

• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.

• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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