Year in Industry- Environmental Scientist

About AWE 

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical? 

For over 75 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK's ultimate deterrent, Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions. 

It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you? 

Role purpose 

As an undergraduate student within Environmental Monitoring, you will work in an exciting part of AWE, helping to ensure compliance through the delivery of regulatory requirements. You will carry out regular scientific collection and analysis in support of regulatory duties, including radiological and chemical monitoring of aqueous, airborne particulate, sediment and organic samples. 

The role provides opportunities to learn about permit compliance, produce regulatory reports and assist with programme reviews. You will also support bulk waste sentencing for small and large construction and demolition projects through planning, scientific radiological and chemical analysis, and statistical reporting. 

Key activities 

• Assist in environmental programme development and review to support Best Available Techniques studies and statements. 

• Develop field sampling capabilities. 

• Support bulk waste characterisation programmes for major projects, including planning and scheduling programme elements, managing tasking/customer agreements, and sentencing waste using statistical reporting. 

• Manipulate and upload data to support permit compliance. 

• Gain an overview of laboratory analytical processes. 

Entry requirements 

We are interested in candidates working towards a degree in: 

• Environmental Science 

• Natural Sciences 

• Geography 

• Chemistry 

• Environmental Management 

• Before starting with AWE, you must be able to provide evidence that you have achieved a minimum 2:2 degree classification, or equivalent academic performance to date, by August 2026. 

Most importantly, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to get involved in interesting research and tasks. 

Behaviours and qualities 

You will possess the following traits and qualities: 

• Growth mindset: You are full of grit and determination, clear about where you are going and how you will get there. 

• Curious: You love to think outside the box, and may even want to take the box apart. 

• Innovative: You are open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas. 

• Resilience: You advocate speaking up for yourself and others openly and constructively. 

• Team worker: You are dependable and reliable, and interested in collaborating with and supporting others. 

Salary and benefits 

• £24,500 salary. 

• A market-leading contributory pension scheme. 

• Generous holiday entitlement. 

• Excellent work-life balance. 

• A 9-day working fortnight, meaning you get every other Friday off work. 

• Access to an employee discounts portal, offering everyday savings on leisure, hospitality and retail. 

Alongside these benefits, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field.

Recruitment process and key dates 

• Online application: Choose the pathway that best matches your interests and goals. 

• Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available. 

• Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre during November or December 2026. 

• Pre-assessment support: Receive webinar guidance so you know what to expect. 

• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will complete offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027. 

Starting date and recruitment process 

2nd August 2027 start date.  Successful candidates should avoid taking leave during the induction period. This role is offered on a 12-month contract. 

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

Security requirements 

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. You must be a British National to apply for a role with AWE. 

Inclusion and diversity 

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and enable employees to 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 used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.