Year in Industry Placement - Environmental 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.
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?
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.
Important things you need to know
- We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
- 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.
