Materials Scientist – Year in Industry

AWE; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE in Aldermaston is offering a year-long placement for students pursuing a Materials Science or Chemistry degree. You will work on materials development and analytical techniques within an on-site lab and office environment, gaining practical experience across experimental science and data reporting.

This placement emphasizes understanding material behaviour, planning and carrying out experiments, and collaborating with engineering and scientific teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a 2:2 degree in Materials Science or Chemistry with interest in materials development or analytical chemistry.
• Interest in joining a laboratory and office-based placement with potential for future opportunities.
• Understanding of laboratory safety and analytical techniques is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out experiments to understand material behaviour in complex systems.
• Explore materials development, characterization techniques and data analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering and scientific teams to share evidence and findings.
• Contribute to technical reporting and documentation of results.

Skills

Materials science

Analytical chemistry

Lab work

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Pursuing degree in Materials Science or Chemistry (2:2)

Job description

Why this role matters

Use materials science to understand, develop and test materials that support mission-critical work. You’ll help scientists understand how materials behave under different conditions, supporting the development, reliability and safety of complex technologies.

At a glance

• Entry requirement: You should be working towards at least a 2:2 degree in Materials Science or Chemistry, with an interest in materials development or analytical chemistry. You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030.
• Security clearance: You must be a UK national, hold a UK passport, have lived in the UK for the past 10 years and be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.
• Working pattern: A 9-day working fortnight, with every second Friday off. This is an on-site, laboratory and office-based role at Aldermaston, near Reading. Due to the nature and security of the work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home.
• Key dates:
  • Applications close: 31 October 2026
  • Start date: 2 August 2027
• Assessment Centre: 11 and 18 Nov 2026 (could be subject to change)

What you could work on

• Materials development: Help develop foams, aerogels, inorganic materials or alternative materials designed to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.
• Analysis and characterisation: Explore chemical, physical, microscopic, spectroscopic, thermal, mechanical, crystallographic or X-ray CT techniques.
• Experimental science: Plan and carry out experiments to understand material behaviour in complex systems and evaluate manufacturing or process conditions.
• Technical collaboration: Support engineering and scientific teams by analysing test pieces and sharing evidence with a range of stakeholders.

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an on-site, laboratory and office-based placement. Due to the nature and security of our work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home for part of the week. Being onsite means you’ll learn directly from subject matter experts, access hands-on support and build connections across technical teams. This day-to-day access can accelerate your development and help you get more from your placement year.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Scientific curiosity: You enjoy understanding why materials behave differently and how evidence can answer technical questions.
• Practical problem-solving: You’re ready to plan experiments, explore options and apply scientific thinking to real challenges.
• Attention to detail: You can work carefully, follow procedures and record results accurately.
• Collaboration: You can learn from specialists, communicate findings and contribute positively to multidisciplinary teams.

Where this placement could take you

You’ll gain practical experience in materials development, laboratory experimentation, analytical techniques and technical reporting. The placement can prepare you for careers in materials science, analytical chemistry, research and development, engineering support or related technical fields, with the potential to return to AWE through a future graduate opportunity.

Reasonable adjustments

We want you to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information you provide will be used only to support you through the process and held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.