Materials and Analytical 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!

AWE is currently recruiting for Material and Analytical Scientists to join our Materials and Analytical Science (MAS) function.


This role offers an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to develop their skills and to successfully play a key role delivering for our customers.



Materials and Analytical Scientist

Salary: £33,770 - £42,000 (dependent on skills and experience)

Location: Reading

Closing Date: 2nd October 2023



As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

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  Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
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  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
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  Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
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  Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
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  A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
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  Life Assurance
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  Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
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  Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
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  A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site

Working within the Fissile Materials Technology (FMT) Team within the Materials and Analytical Sciences (MAS) Sub-Function, you'll primarily be supporting the development of new or improvement of existing processes for the recovery and recycle of nuclear 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 the following:

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  Working with hazardous materials
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  Degree or equivalent level knowledge/experience of a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry or Materials Science)
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  Knowledge of electrochemistry and pyrochemistry
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  Knowledge of civil nuclear fuel processing/ nuclear material recovery techniques
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  Good awareness of health and safety regulations relating to work with chemicals/radioactive materials
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  Problem solving and troubleshooting

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities will include:

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  Carry out research and development of material recycle processes and associated equipment
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  Produce specifications for new / improved processes and process equipment
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  Provide advice to help resolve technical issues arising in material recycle operations
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  Maintain awareness of developments in material recycle and recovery techniques
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  To provide technical knowledge and expertise in the field of materials and chemical science
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  To deliver assigned programmes, projects and processes, to the required scope, timescales, quality and cost
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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
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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.