Do you have a degree in Physics or experience in working with lasers? Would you like to work in Orion - the largest and most powerful laser system and experimental facility for high-energy density physics in the UK?
Our Orion facility delivers high-quality output to a demanding user programme. It recreates physical conditions in the lab similar to those found in the heart of the sun, with its ten nanosecond-duration beamlines and two sub-picosecond petawatt beamlines, all housed in a building the size of a football pitch.
A wonderful opportunity is now available for an Applied Scientist to operate and enhance Orion to perform the experiments necessary to underwrite the safety and performance of nuclear warheads, maintain national nuclear security and develop the capability and technology that meets future nuclear deterrent needs.
Applied Scientist - Laser Physics
Location: Reading area
Package: £25,850 - £35,000 (dependant on suitability and level of experience)
AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) offers an attractive array of benefits which include:
Market leading contributory pension scheme
Generous holiday entitlement 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
Flexible working hours
Salary sacrifice scheme
Funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body
AWE Life Insurance
Consideration for either full time or part time hours. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
The role:
We are looking for a recent graduate who wants to begin a career in laser physics. Relevant work experience would be advantageous but not essential.
As an Applied Scientist within Orion you will become a key part of the operations team carrying out laser set-up, maintenance and shot firing activities, having built up the relevant knowledge of this complex system through hands-on training.
You'll be required to support a small team of laser technicians to prepare and fire the system by providing troubleshooting and insight. To underwrite Orion's ongoing operation and its future capabilities you may conduct laser and optical-based research, technology development, analyse laser performance data and trends, and conduct geometric and physical optics simulations.
To be considered for this role, you'll need the following:
A degree in physics
Some experience of working with lasers or optics in an undergraduate laboratory setting would be advantageous
Experience conducting empirical scientific research and drawing sound conclusions
Ability to plan and manage the delivery of own work
Ability to work as part of a team with a range of stakeholders
Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
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