Theoretical Physicist- UGT Diagnostician

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?

For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent – Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.

It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?

AWE have an exciting opportunity for a Theoretical Scientist, to work as a Prompt Diagnostician within our Design Physics Group, to develop modelling techniques and undertake reanalysis our underground test (UGT) data.

The Role

The prompt diagnostics team are a small team within the Design Physics Group. Our mission is to assess, process and interpret the data recorded from the diagnostics fielded on previous underground ground tests (UGTs) prior to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

This data forms the basis for understanding and validation of the complex physics models of nuclear warheads, which are used by our Design Physics colleagues to underwrite the performance and safety of existing and future designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning, development and validation of theoretical models and software codes designed to replicate the physical mechanisms which occur in the diagnostics fielded on underground tests. 
• Undertaking reanalysis of underground test data, using modern methods, to provide comparable data for our developing modelling capabilities. 
• Working collaboratively with our international colleagues, sharing methods, ideas and knowledge to enhance your work.
• Present your own scientific achievements to the team, function and project through published work and presentations.
• The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.

Who Are We Looking For?

To be considered for this role, you will need the following: 

• A degree in physics, maths, computer science or an equivalent STEM-based discipline. 
• Knowledge of scientific programming, using languages such as Python, Fortran, C++, or a similar high-level language.
• Willing to travel overseas as required.

Whilst not on the check list, we are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate some of the following:

• A methodical approach to complex problem solving using technical knowledge.  
• A clear and concise communication approach, both oral and written.
• Excellent team working ability, with a proactive approach and the ability to prioritise a varied workload, ensuring timely delivery with minimum supervision.
• The ability to capture and communicate technical requirements effectively.
• Understanding and knowledge of radiation detection and measurement techniques.
• Broad understanding of basic physics concepts, in particular, nuclear, particle and electromagnetic physics.
• Experience of GEANT4 or MCNP modelling would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of electronics is desirable but not essential.

What will you get from us? 

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:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (including Bank Holidays).
• 9-day working fortnight - every other Friday off work.
• Flexible working hours.
• 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.
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• A market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution).
• Life Assurance.
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending savings.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family.
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing – more information available on our careers site.

Important things you need to know:

• You must be a UK national who has been resident in the UK for the past 10 years.
• Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams. You will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation in advance.
• Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.

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