Undergraduate Placement - Environmental Scientist

About AWE

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWE’s support for the government’s strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK’s counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

About the Year in Industry:

This position is created for university students undertaking a 12-month placement, who will join our Environmental Monitoring area.

You will have the opportunity to work in an exciting part of AWE ensuring compliance through delivery of regulatory requirements. In this role you will carry out regular scientific collection and analysis in support of regulatory duties, including the radiological and chemical monitoring of aqueous, airborne particulate, sediments and organic samples. The role also gives the opportunity to learn about permit compliance, producing regulatory reports and assisting in programme reviews. You will also be involved in providing bulk waste sentencing for small and large construction and demolition projects by planning, and scientific radiological and chemical analysis with a statistical reporting approach.

The role is designed to help you gain experience in:

• Assisting in environmental programme development and review to support Best Available Techniques (BAT) studies and statements
• Developing in field sampling capabilities
• Supporting the bulk waste characterisation programmes major projects, e.g. planning and scheduling programme elements, managing tasking (customer agreements) and sentencing waste using statistical reporting
• Data manipulation and upload to support permit compliance
• Overview of laboratory analytical processes

The behaviours you will bring to the team

• Interest in environmental research. Candidates will be studying for a degree in Environmental Science or Natural Sciences as well as Geography, Chemistry or Environmental Management.
• Growth Mindset; You’re full of grit and determination. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
• Curious; you’re a person who loves to think outside the box. (You’re a person who loves to take the box apart!).
• Innovative; you’re open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
• Resilience; you’re an advocate of ‘speaking up’ for yourself and others openly and constructively.
• Team Worker; you’re dependable and reliable. You’re interested in collaborating with and supporting others.

Location

You will be based at Aldermaston, nr. Reading, Berkshire

The Benefits

You will have the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts and to develop skills that are applicable across many industries. Successful candidates will receive:

• A salary of £22,250
• A market leading contributory pension scheme. We will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution.
• Every second Friday off. We do this by working a 41-hour week followed by a 33-hour week.
• 270 hours of annual leave a year, that includes an allowance for bank holidays.
• Access to the employee discounts portal – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.

Start Date

Undergraduate Placement Induction start date will be August 2025, so please avoid taking leave during this period if you are successful. This role is offered on a 12-month contract.

Recruitment Process

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.

Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.