Health Physics Graduate Programme

weServed; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Babcock invites graduates to join the Health Physics Graduate Programme based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth. You will rotate across radiological projects, monitor radiation levels, and contribute to safety procedures while gaining practical experience in nuclear operations.

The two-year programme includes structured mentorship, a postgraduate Radiological Protection module, and progression toward a permanent role within Health Physics.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) degree in Physics, Chemistry or Biology.
• Postgraduate qualification in Radiological Protection is desirable but not essential.
• Must be able to achieve BPSS, Security Check (SC) and NNPI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor radiation levels and review safety procedures.
• Carry out radiological assessments.
• Support safety measures for nuclear operations during the programme.

Education

BSc (Hons) degree in Physics, Chemistry or Biology

Postgraduate qualification in Radiological Protection (desirable)

Job description

Health Physics Graduate Programme

Programme title: Health Physics Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 20 October 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74695

What will you do on the programme?

As a Health Physics Graduate at Babcock, you’ll play an important role in keeping people and the environment safe. Based at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, you’ll work on the newest class of submarines in the Ministry of Defence’s fleet, supporting tasks such as monitoring radiation levels, reviewing safety procedures, and carrying out radiological assessments.

Working alongside experienced specialists, you’ll apply your skills and contribute directly to safety measures, gaining practical experience that will prepare you for a rewarding career supporting nuclear operations.

How is the programme structured?

Over two years, you’ll rotate across different teams, gaining experience on a range of radiological projects. As you develop your technical expertise and understanding of health physics, you’ll gradually take on more complex tasks and greater responsibility, contributing directly to the safe operation of the dockyard.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

As a Health Physics Graduate, you’ll also complete a postgraduate qualification in Radiological Protection as part of the programme. Delivered in three intensive four-week modules at HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire, the course offers an immersive and supportive learning experience, with food and accommodation provided throughout.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Upon completing the programme, you'll transition into a permanent role within Health Physics.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

• You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree in Physics, Chemistry or Biology. Any kind of postgraduate qualification in this area, such as an MSc or PG (Dip) in Radiological Protection, is desirable but not essential.
• You should be comfortable working in a range of operational environments, which may include working at height, within confined spaces, and in radiological areas. Full training and safety support will be provided.
• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Where will you be based?

Our Health Physics programme for Autumn 2027 is based in the Marine/Nuclear sector in Plymouth.

To get the most from the programme, you will be expected to attend your base location in person for up to five days per week. Regular on-site attendance will help you learn from experienced colleagues, build professional networks, and benefit from day-to-day mentoring and guidance.

You will also be required to travel to HMS Sultan and other partner organisations for training.

Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

While Plymouth will be your home base, we ask our graduates to be flexible, as there may be opportunities to undertake placements in other locations during your programme.

Application process and important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

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