At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team of experts to review and enhance the Environmental Safety Case for nuclear waste.
- Company: Nuclear Waste Services, a key player in environmental safety for the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and the chance to influence national infrastructure.
- Other info: Flexible location with occasional travel; unique opportunity for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental safety while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Expertise in environmental safety cases and strong communication skills required.
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is seeking experienced, internationally recognised experts to join its Independent Peer Review Group (PRG) supporting the Environmental Safety Case (ESC) for the UK’s Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR). This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of environmental safety for one of the UK’s most important national infrastructure assets. As NWS continues to develop its Environmental Safety Case, we are seeking up to four highly respected specialists, including a Chair, to provide objective challenge and expert insight across the programme.
About the Role
The Peer Review Group provides independent scrutiny of the development, integration and presentation of the Environmental Safety Case. The PRG will review key ESC documentation and supporting technical reports, attend review meetings and technical workshops as appropriate, and provide clear, evidence‑based feedback to NWS. Peer Review comments and responses form an important element of the material considered by regulators in their assessment of the ESC. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals across all employment backgrounds, including those currently working within partner organisations, academia, or as independent consultants.
Responsibilities
- Provide independent technical challenge to the development and presentation of the Environmental Safety Case
- Review selected ESC documents and underpinning technical assessments within agreed scopes and timescales
- Assess whether arguments, assumptions and conclusions are sound, well‑evidenced and appropriately justified
- Comment on the treatment of uncertainty and optimisation within the ESC
- Consider the overall coherence and integration of the safety case, not solely individual technical disciplines
- Participate in PRG meetings and workshops (virtually and occasionally in person)
- Provide clear, concise and well‑structured written review comments suitable for formal response and audit
- Act in accordance with agreed Terms of Reference
Additional Responsibilities – PRG Chair
- Lead the PRG, fostering effective dialogue and balanced challenge
- Agree review scopes, priorities and approaches with NWS
- Ensure consistency and proportionality across PRG comments
- Support the production of PRG summary reports
- Act as the primary interface between the PRG, NWS and regulators
Time Commitment
Review of documentation and attendance at meetings as required. Meetings will be a mix of Microsoft Teams and in‑person sessions. Expected commitment of up to one day per week, with some flexibility depending on programme phase.
Location
Location is largely flexible. Successful candidates must be willing to travel occasionally for in‑person meetings.
Engagement and Payment
Engagement will be payrolled via Alexander Mann Solutions, NWS’s agency provider. Recruitment will be managed by the NWS Talent Acquisition team. Payroll options are PAYE or Umbrella Company. Daily rate in the region of £800 to £1000 PAYE depending on experience.
Qualifications
Candidates must be able to demonstrate:
- International standing in the development or application of environmental safety cases for radioactive waste repositories or comparable nuclear facilities
- Deep technical expertise in at least one relevant discipline, such as:
- Hydrogeology and groundwater flow and transport
- Near‑field or engineered barrier processes
- Radiological impact assessment and dose modelling
- Environmental assessment of radioactive waste disposal
- Strong working knowledge of UK legislation and regulatory guidance, including Environment Agency expectations for environmental safety cases
- Experience of providing independent review or assurance of complex technical programmes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate clear, proportionate challenge
Preferred Skills
It would be advantageous for candidates to have:
- Experience of peer review panels, safety committees or independent advisory groups in a nuclear or high‑hazard context
- Experience working at, advising, or providing peer review for other near‑surface radioactive waste disposal facilities, either in the UK or internationally
- Prior engagement with UK regulators, or direct understanding of regulatory decision‑making processes
- Experience reviewing safety cases spanning multiple technical disciplines
- Familiarity with international guidance and best practice (e.g. IAEA, OECD/NEA)
- Experience balancing detailed technical scrutiny with a strategic, whole‑system perspective
- The ability to challenge constructively while maintaining effective professional relationships
Why Join the PRG?
Membership of the PRG offers a unique opportunity to:
- Contribute directly to the assurance of a nationally significant facility
- Apply your expertise at the highest level of environmental protection and regulatory scrutiny
- Work alongside other internationally recognised experts in a genuinely independent role
To protect the independence of the Peer Review Group, individuals who have worked directly on the development of the 2026 LLWR Environmental Safety Case, or its supporting technical assessments, will not be eligible for these roles.
Equal Opportunity Statement
NWS is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Environmental Safety Case (ESC) Independent Reviewers employer: Nuclear Waste Services
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the assurance of the UK's Low Level Waste Repository through the Independent Peer Review Group. With a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, NWS fosters a collaborative work culture where experts can engage in meaningful dialogue and provide critical insights that shape environmental safety. The flexible working arrangements and competitive remuneration further enhance the appeal of joining a team dedicated to high standards of environmental protection and regulatory scrutiny.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Safety Case (ESC) Independent Reviewers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental safety field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant forums and discussions. Join online groups or attend workshops related to environmental safety cases. This not only boosts your knowledge but also helps you meet potential employers and peers in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience and skills in environmental safety. Make sure to include any peer review work or relevant projects you've been part of.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something big in the environmental safety sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Safety Case (ESC) Independent Reviewers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and expertise in environmental safety cases. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for well-structured comments that could stand up to formal scrutiny.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical knowledge and experience in nuclear waste management or related fields. We’re keen to see how you can contribute to the Peer Review Group with your unique insights.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so go ahead and hit that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclear Waste Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in environmental safety cases, especially related to nuclear waste. Familiarise yourself with UK legislation and regulatory guidance, as well as any recent reports or studies that could be relevant to the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your specific technical expertise, whether it's hydrogeology, radiological impact assessment, or another area. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Peer Review Group and provide examples of your previous work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to provide clear, concise feedback, practice articulating your thoughts on complex topics. Consider preparing a few key points or examples that demonstrate your ability to challenge constructively while maintaining professional relationships.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your collaborative mindset, which is crucial for this role.
