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- Tasks: Conduct hands-on chemistry experiments and develop polymeric materials for innovative applications.
- Company: Join AWE, a leader in materials science, located between Reading and Basingstoke.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, flexible hours, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, collaborate with global partners, and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry or materials science; experience in organic materials preferred.
- Other info: Interviews scheduled for the week of 2nd June 2025; let us know if you need alternative arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 25800 £ per year.
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
Package: £29,490 - £31,000 (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 Materials and Analytical Scientists within the Conventional Materials Science Group supporting their Organic Materials Development Team. The team focuses on the development and testing of polymeric materials for adhesives, potting's, resins, encapsulants, and inks for Direct-Ink-Write Additive Manufacturing. This role is ideally suited to a Polymer Chemist or Materials Scientist who enjoys hands-on chemistry experiments and has an interest in the design of experiments and analysis of results.
Working within the Conventional Materials Science Group, the successful candidate will be required to work with stakeholders and customers across the business to develop and test materials that meet their requirements. Furthermore, this role will allow you to work with many of our external partners across the UK and US, and occasionally, you will be required to travel to these sites to meet our stakeholders. Although the role is predominantly lab-based and on site, where possible, you will also be allowed to work from home to carry out training, data analysis, and writing up of reports and presentations.
Who are we looking for? We would be interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate knowledge or experience in some of the following:
- Degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, natural science or similar
- Knowledge of general organic and polymer materials science, or organic chemistry
- Working knowledge of UK REACH
- Basic laboratory experience
- Knowledge of techniques such as rheology, thermal analysis and mechanical testing
- Knowledge of safety paperwork including COSHH, risk and manual handling assessments
- Good standard of report writing
Successful candidates will typically be responsible for the following:
- Prepare, analyse, characterise and assess samples using agreed procedures and processes
- Produce documentation to communicate projects
- Develop knowledge in a particular scientific or product field and share best practice
- Assistance with COSHH Assessor; Risk Assessor; Manual Handling Assessor
- Lead technical programmes (dependent on prior experience)
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 ability to work to tight deadlines.
Please note that the interviews will take place during the week commencing 2nd of June 2025. If you are unavailable on these dates, please inform us, and we will do our best to accommodate alternative arrangements where feasible.
Some reasons we think you’ll love it here:
- AWE has a wide range of benefits to suit you, including a 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'. 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.
Materials and Analytical Scientist employer: Confidential
Contact Detail:
Confidential Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials and Analytical Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific materials and analytical techniques mentioned in the job description, such as rheology and thermal analysis. 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 polymer chemistry and materials science. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the latest industry trends that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on laboratory experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of experiments you've conducted, challenges you've faced, and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AWE's projects and partnerships, especially those related to organic materials development. Understanding their current work will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview and show how your background aligns with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials and Analytical Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description for the Materials and Analytical Scientist position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application effectively.
Tailor Your CV: Update your CV to highlight relevant experience in polymer chemistry, materials science, and any hands-on laboratory work. Emphasise your knowledge of techniques such as rheology and thermal analysis, as well as your ability to manage workloads in a dynamic environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job requirements, and express your interest in working with stakeholders and external partners.
Highlight Flexibility and Initiative: In your application, mention your willingness to adapt to different working patterns and your proactive approach to problem-solving. This is particularly important given the flexible working options and the need to manage changing priorities in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of organic and polymer materials science. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used, such as rheology or thermal analysis, and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role involves hands-on chemistry experiments, be ready to share examples of your laboratory experience. Highlight any relevant projects where you developed or tested materials.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with AWE's working patterns and benefits. Show that you appreciate their flexible working requests and the importance of a work-life balance, which can resonate well during the interview.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Interaction
As the role requires collaboration with stakeholders and external partners, think of examples where you've successfully communicated or worked with others. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively.
