Actinides & Chemical Characterisation Scientist

Do you have a background, or knowledge, of working in an experimental environment and are keen to develop your experience with a company that gives you every other Friday off? Then a career at AWE could be for you!



Materials and Analytical Scientist (Actinides - Chemical Characterisation)



Location: Reading/ Basingstoke area



AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) offer a competitive salary, market leading contributory pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, excellent work/life balance including a 9-day working fortnight and flexible working hours (role dependent). A salary sacrifice scheme is also available. We will consider candidates looking for full time or part time hours. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time.



Working within the Actinides Certification Team within the Materials and Analytical Sciences (MAS) Sub-Function, you'll primarily be supporting our world class capability for the chemical characterisation of special warhead materials.



We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with knowledge and/or experience of working in a hands on experimental environment. It is desirable that candidates can demonstrate a good understanding / experience with some/all of the following:

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  Working with hazardous materials
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  A broad knowledge of general chemistry
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  A sound knowledge of the theory and practice of analytical chemistry
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  Fundamental knowledge of "classical wet chemistry" procedures
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  Knowledge of statistical techniques applicable to chemical analysis
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  Good awareness of health and safety regulations relating to work with chemicals/radioactive materials
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  A knowledge of safety and quality procedures relevant to the job
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  Practical experience within a chemistry/analytical chemistry laboratory
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  Sample handling and preparation
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  Operation of complex analytical instrumentation

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities will include:

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  Ability to develop specialist skills and expertise within a unique area of analytical chemistry
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  Carry out Research and Development to develop modern, sophisticated analysis techniques
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  Ability to apply advanced analytical techniques to underwrite fabrication and certification of warhead components, aid assessment of materials design & performance characteristics, and support materials ageing & surveillance programmes
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  Operate complex analytical instrumentation processes in accordance with written methods and procedures.
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  Provide advice to scientists and engineers and utilise analytical chemistry skills to help resolve technical issues arising in production and research
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  Maintain and develop quality systems through participation in inter-laboratory exchange exercises, analysis of standards and controls, statistical interpretation of data and calibration of methods
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  Maintain awareness of analytical chemistry developments and liaise with analytical instrument/equipment suppliers, associated user groups and the international scientific community
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  Produce technical specifications for procurement of state-of- the-art instrumentation
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  Prepare internal analytical reports and methods; publish results of R&D in the open scientific literature
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  Represent AWE at international conferences and meetings on analytical chemistry and present results of R&D and inter-laboratory exchanges
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  Safeguard company information and assets from unauthorised access or disclosure, report security breaches and apply security at all times
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  Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player
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  May be required to carry out safety related roles including but not limited to Work Supervisory Officer; COSHH Assessor; Risk Assessor; Manual Handling Assessor; Radiation Protection Supervisor
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  The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs

This is an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise to support the UK's Nuclear defence programme and be part of a team of remarkable people achieving extraordinary things.



Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.





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