Material and Chemical Modelling Scientists

AWE; England; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Material and Chemical Modelling Scientists

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package:

Junior Modelling Scientist (recent PhD graduates): £36,640 - £40,000 (depending on your suitability and level of experience)

Experienced Modelling Scientist (graduates with post-grad / Industry experience): £40,000- £50,000 (depending on your suitability and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application. Opportunities for hybrid working in some roles.

Let us introduce the role:

The Modelling Team in Materials and Analytical Science (MAS) at AWE is looking for Scientists at various stages of their careers across Materials, Mathematical and Chemical Modelling disciplines to support research and development within a wide range of technically challenging projects.

For our important mission to support current and future nuclear deterrent, security, and threat reduction programmes, we have new opportunities available in the Materials Modelling discipline: The Materials Modelling team develop materials models and provide a predictive capability for materials properties, whilst applying new methodologies for new materials selection. Furthermore, the role involves finding modelling solutions to difficult real-world testing problems, coordinating with external technical partners on cutting-edge research projects and supporting the System modelling and simulation capabilities for AWE's Programmes.

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate knowledge or experience in several of the following areas:

1. A PhD in Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, or other numerate discipline
2. Experience in constructing material models of representative systems with particular focus on molecular reaction chemistry
3. Knowledge of Materials Science and/or Polymer Science
4. Experience with a range of atomistic and molecular modelling techniques including (but not limited to) Quantum Chemistry, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Molecular Mechanics and Dynamics (MM/MD), Monte Carlo (MC), Multiscale and Mesoscale modelling
5. Experience using computational chemistry codes/software packages such as but not limited to Gaussian, NWChem, ONETEP, LAMMPS, VASP, and BIOVIA Materials Studio
6. Demonstrable understanding in areas related to molecular modelling such as quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics and chemical reaction kinetics
7. Familiarity with High Performance Computing (HPC) architectures and the Unix/Linux environment.
8. Programming and/or scripting experience in Python/C++/Shell/MATLAB
9. Knowledge of good software development practices including the use of tools to support this purpose such as GitLab
10. Able to work independently and unsupervised, as well as within a team to achieve common goals
11. Flexible, self-motivated and the ability to handle multiple tasks
12. Able to provide technical input within own field of expertise that can influence project, team or end user
13. Strong communication skills verbal and written

You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

AWE has a wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

1. 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
2. Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
3. Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
4. Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
5. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
6. Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
7. Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
8. Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.