Theoretical Scientist Full Time

Reading, Oxfordshire
AWE

AWE plays a crucial role in the defence of the United Kingdom, by providing and maintaining the warheads for the country’s nuclear deterrent. We are a centre of scientific, engineering and technological excellence, with some of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world. Our unique expertise also assists the UK Government in developing and delivering a range of innovative and integrated support services, including national nuclear security and counter-terrorism solutions.

AWE is currently recruiting for an experienced Operational Analyst and Software Developer with a physics/maths background for the Systems Assessments Battle Modelling Team (B2 Grade).

An exciting opportunity has arisen within a dynamic team assessing the effects that nuclear weapons have on the offence and defence systems during a nuclear battle. The role includes development and management of computational models to enhance existing capability within the team and to run and analyse results from these models in order to inform key customer decisions.

Location: Aldermaston, West Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke with plenty of onsite car parking.

Package: £38,000 – £42,000 (depending on suitability and level of experience)

Closing Date: 3rd April 2023

The Systems Assessments Group (SAG) is a multi-discipline group, providing mission effectiveness, and weapons effects assessments to AWE and our Government stakeholders. We contribute a range of capabilities in support of the UK’s national nuclear security and treaty verification requirements.

The Battle Modelling Team within SAG covers a broad domain encompassing radiation transport, atmospheric physics and nuclear physics, mathematical algorithm development, operational analysis, Monte Carlo modelling and software development. The successful candidate will have qualifications and experience in more than one of these disciplines.

The role will consist of:

• Planning, development and validation of theoretical models or software codes.
• Planning and delivery of technical assessments using appropriate methodologies.
• Use AI/ML techniques to simulate complex and uncertain scenarios.
• Engaging with technical communities across AWE.
• Contributing to interactions with international partners and external stakeholders in their field.
• Providing innovative and novel solutions to complex problems with a view to leading activities in their domain

An ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in physics, maths, computer science or an equivalent STEM-based discipline.
• Experience in code development for scientific programming.
• Experience in C++ and/or Fortran software development.
• Experience in Python and/or MatLab.
• A specialism in one or more of the following areas: nuclear physics, atmospheric physics, radiation transport, Monte Carlo modelling, or using bespoke software to complete detailed analyses.
• Experience in operational analysis and data analysis techniques is highly desirable.
• A methodical approach in undertaking technical research and conducting technical assessments to draw sound scientific conclusions.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and through technical reports.
• Be able to interpret, analyse and present data in a coherent and engaging manner.
• An understanding of radar, optics/IR, signal processing and AI/ML is highly desirable although not essential.
• Knowledge of the UK deterrent is highly desirable and experience of the wider system and its operational use is beneficial.

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:

• 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.

Agencies: Please note that we do not out-source our recruitment