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

Package: £33,000-£44,000 per annum (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.

Closing Date: 16th October 2024

Let us introduce the role

AWE are currently recruiting for a Material Model Developer to join their Materials Physics Group, to exercise and improve capability in understanding nuclear warhead safety, performance, effectiveness, and national nuclear security through scientific research, modelling, and assessment.

You will be working in a theory and modelling team within a multi-disciplinary group, that contributes to AWE's understanding of the behaviour of materials at high temperatures, pressures, and strain rates.

The team uses modelling techniques applied at a variety of physical length scales to understand how materials deform and fracture at high strain rates. The techniques applied range from first principles quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics to mesoscale and continuum simulations. These aim to understand and predict the behaviour of a variety of materials in response to extreme loading conditions and develop models that can be applied to simulate the behaviour of nuclear warheads.

This specific role will require the candidate to undertake model implementation and simulation with explicit finite element codes, performing simulations of relevant dynamic experiments to validate strength and damage models suitable for capturing the response of materials to deformation in extreme environments.

The role will involve undertaking independent research, as well as working as part of a team, to develop models and to design and analyse experiments performed by internal and external collaborators.

Who Are We Looking For?

Candidates should ideally have a background in the use of scientific computational modelling methods, but any prior experience in the areas such as finite element simulation, plasticity modelling, crystal plasticity, damage modelling, or a background in continuum mechanics, would be considered highly advantageous.

We do need you to have the following:

Degree or equivalent experience in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or another numerate discipline.

Experience in undertaking scientific research in either a university or industrial context.

A methodical approach to complex problem solving using technical knowledge.

A clear and concise communication approach, both oral and written.

The ability to prioritise a varied workload, ensuring timely delivery with minimum supervision.

Experience with scientific programming, using languages such as Fortran, C++, Python, or a similar high-level language, and of working in the Unix/Linux environment.​

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.

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