Materials and Analytical Support Scientist

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Materials and Analytical Support Scientist

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: £23,280 to £33,160 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Let us introduce the role

AWE is currently recruiting for an Materials and Analytical Support Scientist for the Explosive Materials and Initiation Science Group.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Scientist/Technologist to join the Explosives Characterisation and Compatibility team. This will include working hands on with explosives and managing the day-to day activities in the lab including routine analytical testing and report writing, calibration, and laboratory maintenance. 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. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Who are we looking for?

We Do Need You To Have The Following

• Experience working in a laboratories and understanding of working with hazardous materials
• Experience in managing laboratories and/or facilities
• Good Laboratory Practices and experience of working in a quality led environment
• Knowledge of Safe Systems of Work (e.g. Operating Instructions, Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments, Manual Handling Assessments)
• Experience in/knowledge of a range of characterisation techniques e.g. GPC, HPLC, wet chemistry methods and DSC, TGA
• Good problem solving and troubleshooting abilities
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to work with others collaboratively in a team setting
• Enthusiastic, positive, proactive, flexible attitude and able to take the initiative
  
  

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point below, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Some Reasons We Think You’ll Love It Here

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• 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 (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
  
  

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Important Things You Need To Know

• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
  
  

Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working on site at AWE Aldermaston.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen 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.