AWE is currently recruiting for Mathematicians, Chemists and Radiation Scientists with a broad range of skills, at various stages of their careers, to work alongside likeminded scientists.
Theoretical Physicists
Location: Reading area (Potential opportunity for hybrid working in some roles)
Package: £26,500 - £60,000 (depending on your 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, including Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off)
Flexible working hours
Salary sacrifice scheme
Consideration for either full time or part time hours. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
Relocation package available (terms and conditions apply)
We have various roles available across our Physics function. As a Theoretical Physicist, you could be involved in working in any of the following areas:
Design Physics: Providing underpinning theoretical and modelling capabilities to enhance the understanding of the complex physical processes associated with nuclear weapon function and applying them to current products as well as enhancing the ability to design for the future. Use of state of the art multi-physics codes to model hydrodynamics, radiation transport and nuclear processes and use a range of experimental data to benchmark the predictions. The role entails working as part of a team and also independent research. A strong physics and mathematics background and an inquisitive nature are particularly relevant to this discipline.
Radiation Science: Developing and utilising photon, electron and neutron transport codes. Some commercial codes such as MCNP are used, other codes are bespoke or developed in-house. Using your background of physics, you shall be able to understand the concept of the calculations that are required. This role will entail analysing tasks and performing modelling of the transport of electrons, photons or neutrons through different mediums. Results will need to be presented through reports or verbal presentations to internal and external customers.
Physics of Material: simulating material properties in exotic states of matter such as those found in the centre of planets or stars, and during violent chemical and nuclear reactions. This discipline offers a diverse range of physics: modelling condensed matter, deformation and fracture, high explosive detonation and burn, atomic and nuclear physics.
Systems Assessment: There are a wide range of disciplines within the Systems Assessment Group. It is a multi-discipline group that provides mission effectiveness and weapons effects assessments to AWE and our government stakeholders. We also contribute a range of capabilities in support of the UK's national nuclear security and treaty verification requirements. We undertake fundamental scientific research, experimental trials, software model development and operational analysis to provide strategic answers directly into our customer community
This is a diverse skillset within our Physics group and as such we would welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate knowledge or experience in several of the following areas:
A degree or equivalent level of experience working in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or any other STEM discipline.
Experience in undertaking scientific research in either a university or industrial context
A methodical approach to complex problem solving using technical knowledge
Strong communication skills, verbal and written
The ability to prioritise a varied workload; ensuring timely delivery with minimum supervision
Experience or enthusiasm to learn scientific programming using languages such as Fortran, C++, Python, or a similar high-level language, and of working in the Unix/Linux environment
Knowledge of radiation transport codes (MCNP knowledge would be particularly advantageous)
Using bespoke software to complete detailed analyses of physical problems
Theoretical modelling of Mechanical and Thermodynamic systems
Fundamental understanding and knowledge of:
Finite Element Analysis
Hydrodynamics
Molecular dynamics simulation
Quantum mechanical simulations
Atmospheric dispersion
Aerosolisation
Computational code development and physics modelling
Nuclear physics
Meteorology
Ability to plan and manage the delivery of own work efficiently, or that of a small technical team
Ability to provide technical input within own field of expertise that can influence project or team activity
All applicants must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the relevant security clearance required and be willing and able to work in designated areas. These roles may require occasional travel within the UK and overseas once restrictions are lifted.
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