Senior Theoretical Scientist

Senior Theoretical Scientist

Closing Date: 16th January 2025

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

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Package: £46,130 - £65,000 per annum (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

A relocation package may be available (terms and conditions apply).

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.

Let us introduce the role

AWE has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Theoretical Scientist to exercise and improve capability in understanding nuclear warhead effects and environments in support of the UK's nuclear deterrent - Trident - and national nuclear security projects through theoretical research, model development and assessment.

This role will sit within the Collateral Effects team of the Systems Assessment Group (SAG) within our Physics function.

The Systems Assessment Group (SAG) is a multi-discipline group that provides mission effectiveness and weapon effects assessments to AWE and our government stakeholders. SAG also contributes to a range of capabilities in support of the UK's national nuclear security and treaty verification requirements. SAG undertakes fundamental scientific research, experimental trials, software model development, and operational analysis to provide strategic answers directly into our customer community.

The Collateral Effects team's primary role within SAG is studying the physical effects of nuclear detonations and their impact on people, populations, and infrastructure. To support this work, the team is directly involved in evaluation and assessment of computational models, low- and high-fidelity software model development, data analysis, software validation and verification (V&V), and stakeholder engagement across AWE and with other UK and international partners.

A successful candidate will be involved with software assessment and ongoing model development work in one or more of the following: atmospheric science, debris/particle formation, physical injury/trauma, nuclear/radiation physics, using computational models, and ongoing code development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Planning and delivery of technical assessments using appropriate methodologies;
• Planning and delivery of technical briefings to non-technical stakeholders/customers;
• V&V of theoretical models and software projects;
• Engagement with relevant communities across AWE;
• Contribute to interactions with international partners and external stakeholders in their field;
• Participate in, review, learn, and improve activities, and implement the outcomes to ensure the continued development and implementation of best practice in the delivery of technical projects;
• Planning and development of theoretical models and software projects;
• The Company may require you to fulfil other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.

Who are we looking for?

We do need you to have the following:

• An undergraduate degree in a scientific or STEM discipline, equivalent NQF level 6 qualification or equivalent experience;
• Working level of experience or postgraduate qualifications in relevant scientific field or STEM discipline.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:

• Experience with scientific programming languages such as FORTRAN, C++, and/or Python;
• Experience with producing and briefing technical assessment outputs to non-technical stakeholders/customers;
• Software design, development, V&V best practices, and version control;
• Leading individual or group projects.

The following would be advantageous but not essential:

• A specialism in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:
• Radiation Physics;
• Atmospheric physics and dispersion modelling;
• Buoyant plume rise;
• Thermodynamics and equation of state;
• Physical chemistry;
• Numerical methods;
• Turbulence;
• Multiphase material modelling;
• Using bespoke software to complete detailed analyses;
• Working level of experience in undertaking technical research and conducting technical assessments to draw sound scientific conclusions;
• Clear and concise communication both verbally and in written work;
• Objective problem-solving skill using technical knowledge;
• Ability to prioritise a varied workload for self or a small team, ensuring timely delivery with minimum supervision.

Some reasons we think you'll love it here:

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

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