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- Tasks: Conduct hands-on experiments and trials in applied physics for warhead research.
- Company: AWE is a leading organisation focused on nuclear threat reduction and advanced research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, work on impactful projects, and develop your career in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Strong degree in Physics or related field; postgraduate degrees are a plus.
- Other info: Limited remote work; flexible working requests considered.
The predicted salary is between 29490 - 63000 £ per year.
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.
Packages:
- Junior Physicists (recent graduates): £29,490 - £37,000 (depending on your suitability and level of experience). Plus, role specific allowances.
- Experienced Physicists (PhD or graduates with post-grad experience): £38,020 - £43,500 (depending on your suitability and level of experience). Plus, role specific allowances.
- Senior Physicists (experienced physicists with qualifications coupled with experience in industry): £47,860 - £63,000 (depending on your suitability and level of experience). Plus, role specific allowances.
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 Trials Scientist and Senior Trials Scientist for the Design Physics Group to support Warhead research and Nuclear Threat Reduction programmes. This role is ideally suited to an applied physicist who enjoys hands-on experiments and trials with an interest in their design and analysis of results. Working within the Applied Research Projects Team, the successful candidate will be required to deliver research trials and experiments of varying complexities, to further the understanding of systems, subsystems, components and materials subject to extreme dynamic conditions. These trials are conducted using explosives in unique facilities and capabilities on and off site, deploying a range of diagnostic techniques. The successful candidate would lead multi-discipline teams through the lifecycle of the trial to ensure they are delivered safely and effectively to meet customer demands. They would be responsible for key design aspects of the trial, and the analysis and assessment of the data as well as assisting with fielding activities.
Who are we looking for? We do need you to have the following:
- a strong degree in Physics or a related subject with a focus on applied science. Postgraduate degrees such as MPhys, MSc, MEng, and PhD would also be welcome.
- a willingness to travel occasionally, both overseas and in the UK.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, for the senior role in particular, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:
- Dynamic experiment design and fielding, ideally working with explosive or hydrodynamic diagnostic technologies, data analysis and assessment.
- Knowledge of the underpinning science related to dynamic material properties, explosives and warhead physics.
- Leading or collaborating with multi-discipline teams.
- Safety management systems and project processes in a highly regulated environment.
- Effectively communicating and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
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'.
Trials Scientist employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
Contact Detail:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trials Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as dynamic experiment design and explosive diagnostics. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of applied physics, especially those who have experience in trials or research related to explosives. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with experiments and trials in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those involving multi-discipline teams, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Trials Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AWE's current projects and initiatives related to nuclear threat reduction and warhead research. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to ask informed questions during the interview and show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Trials Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications and experiences in physics or related fields. Emphasise any hands-on experimental work, particularly in dynamic experiment design or data analysis.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role of Trials Scientist. Discuss your interest in applied science and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience working with explosives or hydrodynamic diagnostic technologies, be sure to mention this. Provide specific examples of projects or trials you've led or contributed to, showcasing your ability to manage multi-discipline teams.
Showcase Soft Skills: AWE values communication and teamwork. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and manage workloads in changing environments. This will help illustrate your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Trials Scientist. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as dynamic experiment design and data analysis. This will help you tailor your answers to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to discuss your technical expertise in physics and any relevant experience with explosives or hydrodynamic diagnostic technologies. Be ready to provide examples of past projects or experiments you've worked on that relate to the role, highlighting your hands-on experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since the role involves leading multi-discipline teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Discuss your approach to managing team dynamics and ensuring safety during complex trials.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the types of trials you would be involved in, the team structure, or opportunities for professional development. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
