Analytical Radiochemist

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.  

We support 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; 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: 

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

Three placements are available: 

• 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 our organisation 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. 

Requirements

• Interest in Radiochemistry. Candidates will be studying for a degree in Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Physics, or combined Chemistry/Physics. 

• 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. 

Benefits

The opportunity to learn from subject matter experts and to develop skills that are applicable across many industries. 

• 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 annual leave a year that includes an allowance for bank holidays. 

• Access to the employee discounts portal – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.