Chemistry Specialist

Location: Various sites across the UK – travel and relocation required

Salary: £30,000 per year

Programme duration: Two years, including three secondments

Start date: September 2027

Application deadline: 12 noon, Friday 6 November 2026

Use your chemistry knowledge to help shape a safer future for the UK’s nuclear sector. Our client is recruiting a Chemistry Graduate for a structured development programme focused on nuclear regulation. Across two years and three secondments, you will gain experience of the nuclear sector while learning from specialists working on complex scientific and safety challenges. From reactor chemistry and nuclear fuel production to radioactive waste treatment, you will explore how chemistry supports the safe design, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

Key eligibility criteria

• Have a minimum 2:2 in a relevant degree subject, with a strong academic foundation in chemistry.
• Have the right to work in the UK for the full two-year programme, subject to satisfactory checks.
• Successfully complete the required security clearance checks.
• Be willing and able to travel and relocate across the UK.
• Be available to start in September 2027.

What you’ll do

Working alongside a specialist team of chemistry inspectors, you will develop your understanding of how scientific evidence informs nuclear regulation. You will have opportunities to support site inspections and the assessment of chemistry-related safety case submissions, covering areas such as:

• Reactor chemistry: Maintaining coolant systems, preventing corrosion and minimising the build-up of radioactive activation products.
• Spent fuel management: Understanding the chemistry considerations involved in managing used nuclear fuel safely.
• Radioactive waste treatment: Assessing chemical processes used to treat, immobilise and condition waste for long-term storage and disposal.
• Nuclear fuel production: Exploring the processes used to manufacture fuel, including fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors.

You will also build experience of working with stakeholders, including nuclear site operators, government bodies and international partners.

What we’re looking for

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess evidence carefully.
• Clear communication skills, including explaining technical information.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Sound judgement and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to influence others constructively.
• Self-awareness and confidence recognising when to seek guidance.
• An interest in applying chemistry to nuclear safety and regulation.

What’s on offer

• £30,000 annual salary.
• £5,500 individual travel budget for programme-related training and meetings.
• £3,500 flexible individual training budget.
• Three secondments providing experience across the UK nuclear sector.
• A tailored professional development programme.
• A dedicated mentor, day-to-day sponsor support and an experienced programme team.
• Membership of up to two professional institutions.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Six discretionary days’ leave for study and relocation.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• Employee assistance, wellbeing resources and employee discounts.
• Access to a cycle-to-work scheme.

You will be employed by the programme delivery organisation throughout the two years. On completion, you will receive support to secure a role with your sponsoring organisation or within the wider nuclear sector.

The recruitment process

• Online application.
• Online psychometric assessment.
• A 30-minute video interview with representatives from a sponsoring organisation.
• An in-person assessment centre in early 2027.
• Offer, pre-employment checks and onboarding.

Please ensure you can attend an in-person assessment centre, as being unable to attend may prevent you from completing the selection process. Invitations and updates will be sent by email. Apply by 12 noon on Friday 6 November 2026. The vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received. Please submit only one application to the graduate programme.

Inclusive recruitment

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. The programme is committed to offering interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Where eligible application numbers are high, applicants whose skills and experience most closely match the role will be prioritised.