Theoretical Scientist
Closing Date: 8th May 2025
Location: AWE Aldermaston, between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
This role is based on site, however due to the classified nature of the work involved there are limited opportunities to work from home. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.
Job Description
AWE is currently recruiting for a Theoretical Scientist to join the Environments and Transport (EAT) Team which sits within our Radiation Science Group (RSG).
This role is ideally suited to a Physicist with interest in developing physics codes and modelling the interaction of radiation (photons, electrons, and neutrons) with matter.
Working within the Radiation Science Group the successful candidate will be part of a team applying and developing radiation effects tools to solve the interaction of nuclear radiation environments with complex geometries.
This role provides excellent development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with partners in the UK, and overseas.
Your Responsibilities
* You will gain an understanding of Monte Carlo and deterministic radiation transport techniques.
* You will work with developers to ensure these are robustly implemented.
* You will develop our future physics codes using modern software practices.
* You will apply these using AWE's High-Performance Computing (HPC) platforms to our core product and to our experimental programmes.
* You will utilize meshing tools to support Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Requirements
We are looking for a strong degree in Physics or a related discipline, with a focus on modelling or code development.
A PhD or relevant post-graduate experience would be beneficial for this role.
A willingness to travel overseas is essential to participate in modelling workshops and peer reviews.
Familiarity with radiation transport codes such as MCNP, OpenMC, or Geant4 is desirable.
Developing physics codes and models, programming languages such as Python or C++, Linux and High-Performance Computing (HPC) are also desired skills.
You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload.
Why Join AWE?
AWE has a wide range of benefits to suit you including:
* 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.
* Family friendly policies including Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave.
* Opportunities for Professional Career Development.
* Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
* Life Assurance.
* Discounts on everyday spending.
* Special Leave Policy.