Theoretical Scientist

AWE; Tadley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a Theoretical Scientist to join their Radiation Science Group. This role is perfect for a Physicist eager to develop physics codes and model complex radiation interactions. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work with advanced radiation effects tools and collaborate on international projects. With a focus on modern software practices and high-performance computing, you will contribute to impactful research in a dynamic environment. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance with a 9-day working fortnight and a range of generous benefits, making it an excellent place to advance your career.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

270 days of annual leave

Market-leading pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Discounts on everyday expenses

Paid leave for volunteering

Qualifications

• A strong degree in Physics or related field, with experience in modelling or code development.
• Knowledge of radiation interaction with matter and experience with radiation transport codes.

Responsibilities

• Develop physics codes and model radiation interactions (photons, electrons, neutrons).
• Support core products and experimental programs using HPC platforms.

Skills

Modelling or code development

Knowledge of radiation interaction with matter

Experience with radiation transport codes

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in C++

Familiarity with Linux

Experience in HPC environments

Education

Strong degree in Physics or related field

Tools

MCNP

OpenMC

Geant4

Job description

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

Due to the classified nature of the work, there are limited opportunities for remote work. The successful candidate is expected to work primarily on-site at AWE Aldermaston.

Package:

Junior Scientist (recent graduates): £29,490 - £37,000 (dependent on suitability, qualifications, and experience)

Experienced Scientist (PhD or postgraduate experience): £38,020 - £47,500 (dependent on suitability, qualifications, and experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We welcome flexible working requests. Please specify your preferred pattern in your application.

Role Introduction

AWE is recruiting a Theoretical Scientist to join the Environments and Transport (EAT) Team within the Radiation Science Group (RSG).

This role is ideal for a Physicist interested in developing physics codes and modelling radiation interactions (photons, electrons, neutrons). The successful candidate will work on applying and developing radiation effects tools to analyze nuclear radiation environments with complex geometries, offering excellent development opportunities and collaborations both domestically and internationally.

You will learn about Monte Carlo and deterministic radiation transport methods, collaborate with developers to ensure robust implementation, and contribute to future physics code development using modern software practices.

Utilizing AWE's High-Performance Computing (HPC) platforms, you will support core products and experimental programs, employing meshing tools for Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• A strong degree in Physics or a related field, with experience in modelling or code development.
• Willingness to travel overseas for workshops and peer reviews.

Desirable (not mandatory):

• Knowledge of radiation interaction with matter.
• Experience with radiation transport codes like MCNP, OpenMC, or Geant4.
• Experience in physics code and model development.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Familiarity with Linux and HPC environments.

You should be able to work calmly in a dynamic environment, manage your workload independently, and demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, flexibility, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Benefits:

• A 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday off, plus 270 days of annual leave.
• Market-leading contributory pension scheme (9%-13% employer contribution).
• Family-friendly policies, including 39 weeks of full pay maternity leave and 4 weeks of full pay paternity leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including funding for relevant professional memberships.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4x annual salary).
• Discounts on various everyday expenses.
• Paid leave for volunteering, public service, and caring responsibilities.

For more details, visit the 'Working at AWE' page and refer to the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.