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 Scientist
Closing Date: 28th July 2026
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.
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.
Package: Starting from £38,020 per year (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
Plus a role specific allowance.
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.
Ready to play your part?
At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Scientist to join AWE’s Explosives Characterisation and Compatibility (XCC) Team. The XCC team plays a key role in providing analysis and expertise on the thermal, chemical and compatibility properties of energetic formulations and their individual components, supporting multiple AWE programmes and helping to ensure the safe assessment, characterisation and use of explosive materials.
Working within a busy and dynamic laboratory environment, you will be responsible for the characterisation of explosive materials using a range of thermal, chemical and compatibility assessment techniques. You will support the development, validation and verification of new and existing test methods, delivering high-quality scientific data to meet programme requirements.
The role combines hands-on laboratory work with explosives, routine analytical testing, report writing, equipment calibration, laboratory maintenance and the oversight of day-to-day laboratory activities. You will play a key role in supporting critical programmes through the safe and effective delivery of analytical testing and technical expertise.
We are looking for an individual who can work calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment, taking ownership of their workload while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and delivery. You will bring strong analytical testing experience, enthusiasm, initiative and a flexible approach, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory capabilities and processes.
Responsibilities include:
Deliver analytical testing of explosive materials using a range of chemical and thermal techniques.
Method development and validation and verification of tests.
Interpret data and produce high-quality technical reports to support customer and programme requirements.
Manage day-to-day laboratory activities, including equipment calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Maintain the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance through the use of Safe Systems of Work.
Work collaboratively with customers, stakeholders and technical specialists to deliver scientific solutions.
Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes, methods and capabilities.
Support the delivery of technical programmes by balancing priorities and meeting challenging timescales.
Who are we looking for?
We do need you to have the following:
A degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience).
Extensive experience working in a laboratory environment, including the safe handling of hazardous materials.
Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and working within a quality-led environment.
Extensive experience of analytical and characterisation techniques such as HPLC, GPC, DSC, TGA and wet chemistry methods.
Extensive experience in development of methods and validation and verification of analytical methods.
Understanding of Safe Systems of Work, including Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments and Operating Instructions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to interpret scientific, technical and operational data.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information to a range of audiences.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in some of the following:
Planning and implementing challenging projects, project management principles, techniques, and tools.
Knowledge and understanding of nuclear material cycles and explosives.
Presenting complex work in an accessible manner to multiple types of people from various Government and technical organisations.
Working in a multi-disciplinary, customer facing team that delivers technically complex services in an area with robust technical requirements.
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
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'.
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Next steps:
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 above, 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.
Important things you need to know:
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We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
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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.
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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.
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 will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
