Research Scientist - Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom - AWE

Description

AWE is offering two exciting Physicist roles to support our deterrence programmes as we expand our mission space.

These roles will develop the right candidates with their scientific careers offering exciting opportunities to develop our radiation detection and uncertainty quantification capabilities.

We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.

The Radiation Science Group is tasked with supporting the hardness and vulnerability aspects of our deterrence mission space, identifying, assessing, and understanding threats to the deterrent and looking to the future and the next generation of systems.

The group uses a model-based engineering approach to support core missions with the models being underpinned by science lead activities, i.e., The roles therefore encompass skills from experimental, theoretical and computation branches of physics and are a great opportunity for the right candidate with a passion for physics.

There are two exciting roles available within the

Radiation Science Group:

The right candidate would be trained and developed into this role with a strong mathematics or statistics background preferred but not essential.

Role 2 (XR) - A role supporting or leading (depending on experience) an area of radiation detection and measurement focusing on investigating low energy photon and electron fields.

Training and development of practical skills will be part of the role as required.

The roles will support flexible working with an expectation that the candidate will spend some time working at AWE main site each week and that the place or work is driven by the needs of the programme.

Working within the Radiation Science Group understanding the general aspect of our mission space and linking these to developing the specific capabilities required for the radiation detection and uncertainty quantification areas;
Ensuring data collected through radiation experiments is the most relevant and of the highest standard. Developing links with external technical partners in both academia and industry to ensure the best available techniques and technologies are being utilised;
Developing mathematics and statistical skills for error and sensitivity analyses;
Collecting and managing data through innovative techniques at sate of the art facilities in the UK, USA and Europe as appropriate;
Using appropriate software and data capture tools to record data and suitable analyses;
Working safely, securely, and cleanly to the appropriate quality standards;
Analysing scientific data to assess confidence in the data obtained and the method by which it was;

Becoming a chartered member of the Institute of Physics or Institute of Mathematics as part of our wider scientific deterrence strategy.

Essential - Degree level knowledge in Physics (2:1 or above), Mathematics or statistics;
Desirable - Post-graduate qualifications connected with working on radiation detection and/or statistical methods;
Basic appreciation of working safely on scientific experiments or trials;
Willing to travel and work at other UK and overseas sites as required;
Statistical analysis of data sets.
Broad understanding of basic physics concepts including material properties, radiation field analysis, electronic systems, and electromagnetic phenomena.
Broad understanding of basic statistical analyses.
Working with Linux based operating system
Basic scripting/coding skills
Knowledge of Python, C, C++, Matlab
Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (including Bank Holidays);
~Flexible working hours;
~ Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time;
~ Family friendly policies:
Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay;
~ Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training;
~ Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services;
~ A market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution);
~ Life Assurance;
~ Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending savings;
~ Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family;
~ Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams.