Undergraduate Placement - Analytical Radiochemistry

Analytical Radiochemist AWE Placement Programme

About AWE

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWEs support for the governments strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UKs counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

About the Year in Industry:

As a Radiochemistry placement student, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class scientists in an exciting part of AWE that provides a wide range of analytical capabilities and expert advice to AWE and government agencies / external customers, whilst ensuring AWE meets regulatory and licence condition compliance.

Three placements are available:

Radiochemistry with Mass Spectrometry Placement

Lab-based placement split between two teams who use radiochemistry separations to isolate and purify trace actinides from environmental samples prior to measurement, using Inorganic mass spectrometryto characterise isotopic & elemental signatures. Previous experience with radiochemistry or isotope mass spectrometry would be preferable.

Radiochemistry with Radiation Detection Placement

Lab-based placement split between two teams who use radiochemistry separations to isolate and purify a range of nuclides of interest from environmental and radioactive samples with measurements through gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectroscopy. Previous coding experience would be preferable although there will be ample opportunities to learn throughout the placement.

Radiation Detection Scientist Placement

Lab and desk-based placement performing radiometric analysis and data analysis for multiple customers across AWE and UK government. This placement will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to plan and perform their own analysis using gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry as well as other novel detection systems. Experience will also be gained in data science methods although previous experience is not essential and ample training will be provided.

The Behaviours you will bring to the team

• Interest in Radiochemistry. Candidates will be studying for a degree in Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, or combined Chemistry/Physics.
• Growth Mindset; Youre full of grit and determination. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
• Curious; youre a person who loves to think outside the box. (Youre a person who loves to take the box apart!).
• Innovative; youre open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
• Resilience; youre an advocate of speaking up for yourself and others openly and constructively.
• Team Worker; youre dependable and reliable.Youre interested in collaborating with and supporting others.

Location

You will be based at Aldermaston, nr. Reading, Berkshire

The Benefits

You will have the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts and to develop skills that are applicable across many industries. Successful candidates will receive:

• A salary of £22,250
• A market leading contributory pension scheme. We will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution.
• Every second Friday off. We do this by working a 41-hour week followed by a 33-hour week.
• 270 hours of annual leave a year, that includes an allowance for bank holidays.
• Access to the employee discounts portal everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.

Start Date

Undergraduate Placement Induction start date will be August 2025, so please avoid taking leave during this period if you are successful. This role is offered on a 12-month contract.

Recruitment Process

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.

Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

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