Analytical & Radiochemist - Undergraduate Placement

Starting salary £23,500 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Analytical and Radiochemist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.

Entry Requirements

We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in:

• We are interested in applications from candidates working towards a degree in Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, or combined Chemistry/Physics. Most importantly we are looking for enthusiastic individuals keen to get involved and work on interesting research and tasks.

• Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree so far by August 2026.

• You must be able to Join AWE in August 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.

What to Expect on the Programme

As a Radiochemistry undergraduate student, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class scientists in an exciting part of AWE that provides a wide range of analytical capabilities and expert advice to AWE and government agencies / external customers, whilst ensuring AWE meets regulatory and licence condition compliance.

• Radiochemistry with Mass Spectrometry Placement

Lab based placement split between two teams who use radiochemistry separations to isolate and purify trace actinides from environmental samples prior to measurement using Inorganic mass spectrometry to characterise isotopic & elemental signatures. Previous experience with radiochemistry or isotope mass spectrometry would be preferable.

• Radiochemistry with Radiation Detection Placement

Lab based placement split between two teams who use radiochemistry separations to isolate and purify a range of nuclides of interest from environmental and radioactive samples with measurements through gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectroscopy. Previous coding experience would be preferable although there will be ample opportunities to learn throughout the placement.

• Radiation Detection Scientist Placement

Lab and desk-based placement performing radiometric analysis and data analysis for multiple customers across AWE and UK government. This placement will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to plan and perform their own analysis using gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry as well as other novel detection systems. Experience will also be gained in data science methods although previous experience is not essential, and ample training will be provided.

Benefits:

• £23,500 salary

• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays

• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene

• 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off

• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme

• A welcome payment

• Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability

• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Application Process:

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

1. Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.

2. Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.

3. Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual AC’s running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in August 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion:

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.

• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.

• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and ‘buddy’ to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For:

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.