Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is seeking Radiation Protection Advisers and Health Physicists for multiple roles. The positions involve providing expert advice on radiation safety and health physics, with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment. Flexible working arrangements are available, and the role includes both office and practical work, contributing to national security projects.

Benefits

9-day working fortnight

Market-leading pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Professional development funding

Employee Assistance Programme

Life assurance coverage

Discounts on everyday expenses

Special leave policies

Qualifications

• Operational experience in providing radiation protection advice is essential.
• Current RPA 2000 certificate is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and technical advice on health and safety related to radioactive materials.
• Advise MOD on radiation protection across military and civilian applications.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Technical Knowledge

Education

Degree in Science, Technology, or Engineering

Job description

Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists page is loaded

Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists

Apply locations Reading area time type Full time posted on Posted 5 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: June 7, 2025 (22 days left to apply) job requisition id R25659

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment, as high application volume may close the role before the deadline.

Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists

Multiple roles at different locations

Locations:

• RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
• PO12 2DL Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire, with routine travel to defence establishments across the UK and occasional overseas travel.

Package:

Health Physicist: £38,000 +

RPA2000 Accredited Radiation Protection Adviser: £48,000 +

(depending on your suitability, qualifications, and experience)

Working pattern: We will consider flexible working requests to accommodate your lifestyle, such as term-time contracts or part-time roles. Please specify your preferred pattern in your application. At our Reading site, we operate a 9-day working fortnight.

Hybrid working is available on an informal, non-contractual basis, typically 2-3 days onsite per week.

Let us introduce the role

AWE is recruiting for Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists for the Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (RPD) Group and Defence Radiation Protection Services (DRPS) Group.

RPD (Reading location) provides legal and technical advice on health and safety related to radioactive materials and ionising radiation, serving a diverse range of applications from nuclear facilities to forensic labs, new builds, decommissioning, and national security.

DRPS (Gosport location) is a trusted partner for UK Defence, advising the MOD on radiation protection across various military and civilian applications, including industrial radiography, radon, NORM, non-ionising radiation, medical X-ray, and radioactive military equipment.

Each role presents unique challenges, making every day different. We seek candidates with a current RPA 2000 certificate or operational experience in providing clear radiation protection advice.

A career in radiation protection allows you to apply your scientific and technical knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to influence stakeholders and communicate advice effectively.

The role offers development opportunities towards chartered status with the Society of Radiological Protection. It involves both office and practical work, with opportunities to visit facilities and participate in emergency response support, which includes additional incentives.

While a degree in science, technology, or engineering is advantageous, experience in health physics, dosimetry, environmental management, radioactive waste, health and safety, or related fields is essential.

You should be able to work calmly under changing priorities, manage your workload, and demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, flexibility, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Reasons to love working here:

• 9-day working fortnight (every other Friday off at the Reading site) and 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market-leading pension scheme with contributions between 9% and 13%.
• Family-friendly policies including 39 weeks of maternity leave and 4 weeks of paternity leave at full pay.
• Opportunities for professional development, including funding for professional memberships.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health services.
• Life assurance coverage of 4x annual salary.
• Discounts on various everyday expenses.
• Special leave policies for volunteering, public service, and caring responsibilities.

Visit the 'Working at AWE' page on our website for the full 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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Next steps

We value diverse skills and perspectives. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, if you believe this role and AWE are a good fit, please apply. We focus on your potential, values, and transferable skills.

Important information

• Apply promptly to avoid disappointment due to high application volume.
• You must obtain and maintain security clearance, funded by AWE. You need to be a UK resident for the past 5 years for SC clearance or 10 years for DV clearance.
• If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please specify this in your application.
• Interviews are typically conducted via Teams and usually involve a single stage.

We aim to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves. Your inclusion data will be stored securely and kept separate from your application information. You must be a British Citizen to apply.

About AWE

If you seek a role with purpose and impact, join us at AWE. We are undertaking a major programme to develop a replacement warhead for the UK’s deterrent, alongside ongoing national security projects. Learn more on our website.

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