Environmental Science jobs in United Kingdom

Environmental Science Graduate Programme 2026

Starting salary £31,000 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

Our two-year Evolve programme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our Science career pathway. We’re looking for amazing graduates and aspiring future leaders to join us and shape the future of science at AWE.

• We are only accepting applications from those with a degree in Environment Science
• Before starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree.

The Evolve Science programme provides graduates with access to a range of engaging opportunities to learn and contribute to cutting-edge research and development.

Through a series of placements, individuals will have a significant role in shaping and selecting, you will experience the breadth and depth of science at AWE whilst at the same time contributing meaningfully to our current projects.

• During your placements you’ll have the opportunity to work with leading scientists and experts in their field and have access to some of AWE’s unique and specialist facilities.
• The programme will help you gain a blend of scientific skills and experience that will enable you to enjoy an exciting and varied career, with lots of opportunity for continued development.
• Alongside your placements you will undertake a core development programme supporting the development of soft skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience providing you with broader personal development opportunities.
• You will also be supported in working towards professional registration relevant to your role or discipline whilst on the Evolve programme

Evolve Science graduates could engage with experiences such as:

• Supporting the assessment of system performance of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
• Engaging in cutting edge research in a range of areas including nuclear forensics, quantum computing and analytical chemistry.
• Working with our supercomputing capability in developing sophisticated models.
• Interfacing with scientists from US laboratories over shared projects and focuses.
• Working hands on in a laboratory developing and testing new materials, processes and equipment.
• Using their technical insights to add value to projects within our Nuclear Threat Reduction programme in support of national security.
• Working alongside world-leading experts to overcome scientific challenges.

• £31,000 starting salary
• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
• 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews
• A structured and supported career progression
• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

1. Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
2. Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.
3. Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual AC’s running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24^th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and ‘buddy’ to guide your journey.

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.