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- Tasks: Join our team as a Radiation Protection Adviser or Health Physicist, providing expert advice on radiation safety.
- Company: AWE is a leading organisation in radiation protection and dosimetry for UK Defence and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a 9-day fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse environments while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: A degree in science, technology, or engineering is preferred; experience in health physics is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and unique experiences across various facilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 48000 £ per year.
Multiple roles at different locations:
- RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
- PO12 2DL Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire with routine travel to defence establishments across the UK and occasional overseas travel.
Package:
- Health Physicist: £38,000
- RPA2000 Accredited Radiation Protection Adviser: £48,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).
Working pattern: We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle, for example, term time contract or part-time. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application. At our Reading site, we operate a 9-day working fortnight. Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis, typically 2-3 days onsite per week.
Let us introduce the role:
AWE is currently recruiting for Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists for the Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (RPD) Group and Defence Radiation Protection Services (DRPS) Group. RPD (Reading location) are part of the Science function at AWE. We are responsible for providing legal and technical advice to a range of internal and external customers regarding health and safety in relation to working with radioactive materials and other sources of ionising radiation. No other organisation in the UK provides radiation protection and dosimetry advice across the same range of applications and customers. Our work covers everything from nuclear manufacturing facilities to forensic laboratories, new build facilities to decommissioning old ones, and working on national security operations.
DRPS (Gosport location) is the trusted partner of high-quality radiation science for UK Defence and Security. As Radiation Protection Adviser to the majority of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), no other organisation in the UK provides radiation protection advice and training across the same range of applications and customers. Based in Gosport on the South Coast, our RPAs and HPs work within a team of experienced specialists providing radiation protection advice and services to a wide range of military and civilian customers.
As an RPA or Health Physicist in our team, you will provide advice and training on a range of ionising and non-ionising hazards across defence both within the UK and overseas. Our advice covers everything from industrial radiography to radon, NORM to non-ionising radiation, as well as medical X-ray and a wide variety of military equipment containing radioactive sources. Each presents their own unique set of challenges, meaning that every day is different.
We are looking to recruit an RPA or a future RPA to join our team. Successful candidates will hold a current RPA 2000 certificate or have operational experience of providing clear and proportionate radiation protection advice to their customers. A career in radiation protection is an excellent choice for someone who wishes to continue to use their practical and theoretical scientific and technical knowledge and skills in a multi-disciplinary environment. You will require strong interpersonal and communication skills capable of influencing customers, stakeholders, and others in the team. The ability to communicate advice through a variety of media is essential.
The role will also provide development opportunities to become a chartered member of the Society of Radiological Protection. The role will involve both office-based and practical elements which provide opportunities to get out and see some of our unique facilities and processes that we undertake. There is also the opportunity to join our on-call capability supporting our customer with emergency response advice, which comes with an additional incentive.
Whilst it would be advantageous for the candidate to have a degree in a science, technology or engineering discipline, experience of working in areas such as health physics, dosimetry, environment, radioactive waste management, health and safety (ESH) or other associated fields is essential. You will 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 the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Some reasons we think you will 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 (Reading site only).
- 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'.
Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
Contact Detail:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements for Radiation Protection Advisers and Health Physicists. Understanding the RPA 2000 accreditation process and the key responsibilities of the role will help you articulate your relevant experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the radiation protection field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with current employees at AWE or similar organisations. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in health physics, dosimetry, or related fields. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided radiation protection advice or managed safety protocols in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your communication skills during the application process. Since the role requires influencing stakeholders and delivering advice through various media, be prepared to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex information in past positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and Health Physicists
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in radiation protection, health physics, or related fields. Emphasise any qualifications such as the RPA 2000 certificate and specific projects that demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your enthusiasm for working in a multi-disciplinary environment and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex information to various stakeholders in the past.
Specify Your Working Pattern Preference: As the company is open to flexible working requests, clearly state your preferred working pattern in your application. This shows your willingness to adapt and can make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Know Your Radiation Protection Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamental principles of radiation protection and dosimetry. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of ionising and non-ionising radiation, as well as any relevant regulations or standards that apply to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires strong interpersonal skills, think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex information to different audiences. Be ready to demonstrate how you can influence stakeholders and provide clear advice.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your operational experience in health physics or related fields. If you have a current RPA 2000 certificate, make sure to mention it, along with any specific projects or challenges you've tackled in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
