Radiation Materials Scientist: Gamma Lab & R&D

We are looking for an enthusiastic consultant to help oversee the day-to-day running of the Amentum radiation operations, which include a Co-60 gamma irradiation facility. The successful candidate will work on a range of different projects deploying experimental and analytical capabilities to support research in the fields of radiation effects in polymers, materials, electronics, and corrosion. The post offers significant opportunities to learn new skills and help solve challenging and exciting problems faced by industry in the UK and abroad. Utilising your hands‑on technical skills, you will gain exposure to a dynamic scientific, commercial and project delivery environment. This position will suit a range of experiences, ranging from new graduates to experienced technicians, offering plenty of training and opportunities for development. If you are looking for a new challenge and are passionate about developing yourself, then we want to meet you.

Key aspects of the role:

• Deploying laboratory/analytical and desk-based capabilities to assess, rationalise and document solutions for a variety of polymer and materials science, radiation physics and chemistry problems in the field of irradiated materials assessment, testing, and radioactive waste management, including definition, design of test programmes, and subsequent data analysis and interpretation.
• Routine access to our in‑house gamma‑irradiation facility based at Harwell Campus to oversee the setup and execution of key experiments/tests and to enable access to the facility by key stakeholders.
• Promoting and adhering to the highest levels of health and safety.
• Involvement throughout the experimental cycle, including design, set‑up and overseeing sample cataloguing, preparation, on‑going monitoring, sample disposal and apparatus dismantling.
• Data collection, analysis and report writing, documenting experimental procedures and outcomes.
• Calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Design of novel test apparatus to meet specific customer/project requirements.
• Measurement of radiation dose rates using appropriate dosimetry methods.
• Interaction with clients, including facilitating client‑led experiments on site.
• Coordinating with project managers, suppliers and landlord agents.
• Supporting delivery of projects to agreed timescales and cost.
• Complying with current business, security, environmental and quality requirements.

The role is laboratory‑based, predominantly office or laboratory at Harwell. Some occasional working from home may be allowed.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• A degree in a relevant physical science or engineering discipline (Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical/Electronic engineering) OR demonstrable equivalent training/experience.
• Experience of experimental work, either during past employment or during degree.
• Good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Willing to work independently at a gamma irradiation facility and obtain the required classified worker status.
• Understanding of Health and Safety and its importance.
• Willingness to undergo further (advanced) training, such as First Aider training and (eventually) becoming a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).
• Must be able to obtain appropriate security clearances.
• Must be local and able to access the facility on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire on a daily basis.

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.