Applied Physicist - Numerical Physics

About us

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Our diverse teams of experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.

We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.

PA Consulting helps defence clients utilise technology to accelerate science to practice in new and established markets. As the world changes at an ever increasing rate, PA’s clients use our technical expertise to think differently and disruptively in order to get ahead of the curve. Our physicists use a broad base of fundamental science to develop new technology concepts, understand how to bring them to reality, and then do it - ultimately answering the question, “Is this possible?” For this we need scientists who want to be creative in their use of physics, who can make complex technical concepts real, and who are happy with putting theory into practice.

We give our clients a true competitive edge by providing the data to make rational development decisions.

We do this by helping our clients understand the real world implications of the latest scientific developments through concept development, modelling and experimentation.

At PA we are looking for like-minded ‘hands on’ scientists that like nothing better than working in multidisciplinary teams to deliver differentiated generation after next capabilities for our clients.

A strong academic background in applied and theoretical Physics – you will be someone who can draw on a solid understanding of a broad range of fundamental physical principles and apply them to challenging real world problems.

• Demonstrable experience in and enthusiasm for applying physics and/or mathematics to address real-world challenges, primarily in defence but with an awareness of other sectors.
• Experience, preferably to PhD level, in the development and application of “generation after next” technologies for example quantum computing, information theory, metamaterials, novel communications and/or sensing systems.
• Industrial experience gained in a research and development role in a high technology organisation, preferably leading research studies comprising other scientists or engineers from other disciplines.
• An ability to view novel physics in a systems context – understanding how a scientific core can be built in to a complex capability.
• A hands on approach to developing experiments, based on solid scientific principles, that allow demonstration of the scientific “core” of a capability.
• Extensive experience of collecting and analysing information in a logical and rigorous fashion.
• Excellent communication skills in order to collaborate with and present to multidisciplinary teams – both technical and non-technical.

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today by completing our online application

Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work.

We believe diversity fuels ingenuity. Diversity of thought brings exciting perspectives; diversity of experience brings a wealth of knowledge, and diversity of skills brings the tools we need. When we bring people together with diverse backgrounds, identities, and minds, embracing that difference through an inclusive culture where our people thrive; we unleash the power of diversity – bringing ingenuity to life.

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits:

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family.
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
• Generous company pension scheme.
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• PA share ownership.
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn).

We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief veteran status, or other by any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.