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- Tasks: Join our team to develop physics codes and model radiation interactions.
- Company: AWE is a leading organisation in radiation science, located between Reading and Basingstoke.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Collaborate internationally and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong Physics degree required; PhD or relevant experience preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Limited remote work; flexible hours considered to fit your lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 29490 - 47500 £ per year.
Closing Date: 8th May 2025
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.
Package:
- Junior Scientist (recent graduates): £29,490 - £37,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
- Experienced Scientist (PhD or graduates with post-graduate experience): £38,020 - £47,500 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Let us introduce the role: AWE is currently recruiting for a Theoretical Scientist to join the Environments and Transport (EAT) Team which sits within our Radiation Science Group (RSG). This role is ideally suited to a Physicist with interest in developing physics codes and modelling the interaction of radiation (photons, electrons, and neutrons) with matter. Working within the Radiation Science Group, the successful candidate will be part of a team applying and developing radiation effects tools to solve the interaction of nuclear radiation environments with complex geometries. This role provides excellent development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with partners in the UK and overseas. You will gain an understanding of Monte Carlo and deterministic radiation transport techniques, work with developers to ensure these are robustly implemented, and develop our future physics codes using modern software practices. You will apply these using AWE's High-Performance Computing (HPC) platforms to our core product and to our experimental programmes, utilising meshing tools to support Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Who are we looking for? We do need you to have the following:
- A strong degree in Physics or a related discipline, with a focus on modelling or code development.
- Although not essential, a PhD or relevant post-graduate experience would be beneficial for this role.
- A willingness to travel overseas is essential to participate in modelling workshops and peer reviews.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:
- An understanding of how radiation interacts with matter.
- Familiarity with radiation transport codes, such as MCNP, OpenMC, or Geant4.
- Developing physics codes and models.
- Programming languages such as Python or C++.
- Linux and High-Performance Computing (HPC).
You’ll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.
Some reasons we think you’ll love it here:
- AWE has a wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:
- 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
- Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
- Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
- Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
- Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.
Theoretical Scientist employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
Contact Detail:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Theoretical Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific radiation transport codes mentioned in the job description, such as MCNP, OpenMC, or Geant4. Having hands-on experience or even a solid understanding of these tools will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of theoretical physics and radiation science. Attend relevant workshops or conferences where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who might provide insights into AWE's work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your programming skills, particularly in Python or C++. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects that showcase your ability to develop physics codes and models.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experiences with High-Performance Computing (HPC) during the interview. Be ready to explain how you've used HPC platforms in past projects, as this is a key aspect of the role at AWE.
We think you need these skills to ace Theoretical Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your strong degree in Physics or related disciplines, and any relevant experience in modelling or code development. Emphasise your familiarity with radiation transport codes and programming languages like Python or C++.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of how radiation interacts with matter and your ability to work in a team environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in High-Performance Computing (HPC) and any experience you have with developing physics codes. If you have experience with Linux, make sure to include that as well.
Show Willingness to Travel: Since the role requires travel for modelling workshops and peer reviews, mention your willingness to travel overseas in your application. This shows your commitment to the role and the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a Theoretical Scientist, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of radiation interactions and modelling techniques. Be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages like Python or C++, and any familiarity with radiation transport codes such as MCNP or Geant4.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role involves developing physics codes and models to solve complex problems. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've approached challenges, particularly in high-pressure environments, and how you managed your workload effectively.
✨Express Your Willingness to Collaborate
Collaboration is key in this role, especially since you'll be working with teams both locally and internationally. Share instances where you've successfully worked in a team setting, and express your enthusiasm for participating in modelling workshops and peer reviews.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Demonstrating your interest in the position can set you apart. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's projects, the tools they use, and opportunities for professional development. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in contributing to the team's success.
