Overview
Join to apply for the Chemistry - Nuclear Graduates 2026 role at Nuclear Graduates.
One Programme, Two Years, Three Secondments, Endless Opportunities. There has never been a more exciting time to join the nuclear sector. From energy generation to waste management, transport through to decommissioning, the Nuclear Graduates programme provides the opportunity to contribute to some of the biggest challenges facing our society. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has brought together leading businesses and organisations to create the award-winning and professionally accredited Nuclear Graduates programme.
We are excited to announce the sponsoring companies for the 2026 cohort: Rolls-Royce, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, the Ministry of Defence - Defence Nuclear Enterprise, Great British Energy - Nuclear, and the Environment Agency. Whether your passion lies within science, engineering or business, Nuclear Graduates will ensure that over two years you gain invaluable insight into the breadth of the UK's nuclear sector and contribute to innovative designs, systems, products and services.
As a Nuclear Graduate, you will learn from leading experts on projects with real impact and receive a programme of professional development to enhance your skills and expertise while understanding the communities in which the nuclear sector operates.
As a Chemistry Nuclear Graduate, you will develop and apply an understanding of the chemistry involved in the production and disposal of radioactive materials. You will gain experience in the areas listed below.
Responsibilities / What you will gain experience in
* Waste characterisation
* Managing pond chemistry
* Disposability assessments
* Assessment of reactivity behaviour, chemical and thermal stability
* Develop the technical skills needed to monitor the management and disposal of radioactive materials
* Conduct investigations, record findings, analyse data and generate reports
* Develop knowledge and skills such as policies surrounding the handling of radiochemical materials
You will develop and apply practical knowledge in Chemistry to deliver solutions that fulfil organisational requirements and:
* Develop the technical skills needed to monitor the management and disposal of radioactive materials
* Conduct investigations, record findings, analyse data and generate reports
* Become familiar with policies surrounding the handling of radiochemical materials
Qualifications / Requirements
Chemistry graduates are expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 at Bachelor's level in one of the following degrees:
* Chemistry
* Other degrees with a strong Chemistry focus may be considered
Additional attributes that fit well on the programme:
* Analytical
* Strong growth mindset
* Collaborative
You will be employed by Energus for the two-year journey and supported by an industry-leading sponsoring organisation.
Entry requirements
* A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject
* Right to work for the duration of the two-year programme (offers conditional on satisfactory right-to-work checks)
* Successful completion of security clearance checks
* Willing and able to travel and relocate; Energus head office is in Workington, Cumbria, with role locations varying by sponsor location
Start date: September 2026.
Recruitment process
* Online application form – complete all required sections
* Psychometric assessment (Neurosight) sent via email
* Online interview – 20-30 minute video interview
* Assessment centre – face to face with activities and information about the nuclear industry and the programme
* Offer – outcomes issued within two weeks after assessment centres; successful candidates proceed with security paperwork for September 2026
* Onboarding – welcome sessions and groups ahead of start date
Face-to-face assessment centres will take place in early 2026. If you are invited and cannot attend, you may be unable to complete the process. Check emails regularly for correspondence.
Closing Date: Friday 14 November 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early if sufficient applications are received. Only one Nuclear Graduates application is required.
Company benefits
* Salary £30,000 per year
* £5,500 individual travel budget for training and meetings
* £3,500 flexible individual training budget
* Access to three secondments across the UK nuclear sector
* Dedicated team of experts supporting development and progress
* Sponsor company lead for day-to-day support during the programme and secondments
* Dedicated mentor throughout the Nuclear Graduates journey
* Comprehensive, tailored professional development
* Support of a dedicated Nuclear Graduates programme team; Mental Health First Aiders available
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
* 6 discretionary days for study and relocation
* Energus contributory pension scheme
* Energus Employee Assistance Programme and DigiCare+
* EnergUS Extras for in-house news, wellbeing resources and discounts
* Membership of up to 2 professional institutions
* Access to independent Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support
* Opportunity to participate in Cycle2Work Scheme
As proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, Energus aims to create a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you have a disability or health condition and require adjustments, please let us know. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet essential criteria and will prioritise those whose skills and experience most closely match the role if numbers are high.
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Professional Training and Coaching
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