Materials Scientist Placement — 9‑Day Fortnight & Impact

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-leading pension

Generous holiday entitlement

9-day working fortnight

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment invites applications for a Year in Industry Placement as a Materials Scientist in Aldermaston, near Reading. The 12-month placement starts 2 August 2027 and follows a 9-day working fortnight with onsite work.

AWE seeks candidates pursuing a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry with a strong interest in materials development and analytical chemistry. Applicants should demonstrate a minimum 2:2 degree by August 2026 and show enthusiasm for engaging in challenging

Qualifications

• We are interested in candidates working towards a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry with a passion for materials development and/or analytical chemistry.
• Must be able to provide evidence that you have achieved a minimum 2:2 degree classification or equivalent by August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Develop foam and aerogel materials for laser target applications and analyse their properties.
• Develop inorganic materials for controlled breakdown and perform testing and analyses.
• Apply analytical methodologies for qualitative and quantitative assessment of materials (mechanical, elemental, spectroscopic, rheological and thermal).
• Synthesize inert precursors for PETN and evaluate process techniques and characterisation of precursors and products.
• Perform experiments to understand material behaviour in multi-material systems.

Skills

Materials Science

Analytical chemistry

Education

2:2 degree expected in Materials Science or Chemistry by Aug 2026

Job description

Atomic Weapons Establishment invites applications for a Year in Industry Placement as a Materials Scientist in Aldermaston, near Reading. The 12-month placement starts 2 August 2027 and follows a 9-day working fortnight with onsite work.

AWE seeks candidates pursuing a degree in Materials Science or Chemistry with a strong interest in materials development and analytical chemistry. Applicants should demonstrate a minimum 2:2 degree by August 2026 and show enthusiasm for engaging in challenging