Radiochemical Scientist - Aldermaston

Job Description

Radiochemical Scientist - Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4PR

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: £28,420 - £42,640 per annum + Negotiable

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

Package: £28,420 - £42,640 (depending on suitability, qualifications, and experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. Flexible working requests are considered.

Let us introduce the role: AWE is recruiting a Radiochemical Scientist for the Radiochemistry Group within the Materials & Analytical Science (MAS) Function. This role suits a scientist who enjoys hands-on wet separation chemistry and has an interest in analytical science and measurement techniques such as radiometrology and mass spectrometry.

The Radiochemistry Group supports multiple programmes, including Nuclear Forensics for our Nuclear Threat Reduction customer, requiring a diverse capability to characterise materials used throughout the nuclear industry.

The multidisciplinary group collaborates with chemists, physicists, and material scientists to provide extensive characterisation capabilities. The role involves providing technical expertise in materials and chemical science to ensure programme delivery in a cost-effective, safe, and secure manner.

Who are we looking for?

• A recognised degree or postgraduate qualification in Chemistry or related fields (e.g., Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Natural Sciences)
• Good laboratory skills and willingness to work with radioactive material
• Experience in Separation Chemistry, Chemical Dissolution, Analytical Chemistry (desirable)
• Understanding of working with radioactive materials
• Strong team player with experience working towards common goals
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong IT skills and willingness to contribute to data management
• Experience in method development, validation, and quality systems (desirable)
• Experience with statistical tools for data analysis and interpretation (desirable)
• Willingness to represent AWE externally and travel abroad if required

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

Benefits

• 9-day working fortnight with every other Friday off
• 270 hours of annual leave
• Market-leading contributory pension scheme (9%-13%)
• Family-friendly policies: 39 weeks full pay maternity leave, 4 weeks full pay paternity leave
• Professional development opportunities with funding for memberships
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Discounts on everyday spending
• Paid leave for volunteering, public service, and caring responsibilities

Due to the classified nature of the work, limited remote working is available. The successful candidate will primarily work onsite at AWE Aldermaston.