Would you like to work alongside the brightest Scientists within the Physics industry?

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician to support the innovative work we do at AWE by applying technical knowledge and experience to enable empirical science activities through the set–up, operation, and maintenance of technical capabilities. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, experienced, and supportive team using cutting edge equipment to help deliver AWE's mission.

This is an opportunity to join the Technology Development Group and help develop and deliver diagnostic capabilities in support of hydrodynamic experiments. These experiments typically use high explosives to generate conditions that last milliseconds, with materials travelling at kilometres per second. Highly reliable bespoke diagnostics are required to accurately obtain the required data from each experiment. Often the applied techniques have evolved from standard scientific and industrial tools with the current diagnostic suite including optical velocimetry, pyrometry and high–speed imaging.

Location: Between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.

Salary: GBP24,000–GBP34,000 (depending on suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Closing Date: 18th January 2024

Who Are We Looking For?

The ideal candidate will have experience in any of the following areas:

Telecommunications optical fibre handling and testing

Laser measurements

Opto–electronic systems

Physics Laboratory techniques

The successful candidate will be familiar with identifying and assessing laboratory hazards and putting in place the most appropriate measures to remove, minimise and manage the hazards. The ability to write and use automation and hardware control software (e.g., LabVIEW) would be beneficial, although not essential for the role; having an awareness of setting–up and managing a laser–controlled area would also be beneficial.

We will consider applications from individuals with relevant technical knowledge and experience with a proven ability to work autonomously in a physics orientated laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Undertake specialist laboratory science support activities, including the operation of specialist equipment, following a range of approved procedures and methods and provide input to improve quality and efficiency of system performance

Prepare laboratory for science activities using appropriate techniques, procedures and methods and assist in developing technical improvements

Proactively ensure laboratory capabilities are maintained as appropriate and available for use, as scheduled

Provide technical support for continuous laboratory improvement activities

Ensure documentation for laboratory processes and hardware is maintained

Prepare new documentation as required/appropriate for laboratory activities

Produce reliable and accurate data and keep accurate records of work undertaken and associated results

Test the reliability and accuracy of data acquisition methods

May be required to perform safety related roles, e.g., COSHH Assessor, Manual Handling Assessor

Key Accountabilities:

Apply technical knowledge and skills in the operation, fault finding and repair of local laboratory capabilities and assets, owning the availability and performance of assigned, specific, specialist hardware

Apply technical knowledge and skills to improve operational performance of laboratory equipment, working autonomously to resolve issues with technical equipment

Follow a range of established technical processes, operating procedures, and standards

Deliver technical objectives to time, scope, and quality

Maintain knowledge and skills in technical field

Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality

What will you get from us?

As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

270 hours of annual leave (including Bank Holidays).

9–day working fortnight – every other Friday off work.

Flexible working hours.

Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time.

Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave – 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave – 4 Weeks Full Pay.

Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training.

Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

A market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution).

Life Assurance.

Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending savings.

Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family.

A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing – more information available on our careers site.

Important things to know:

Interviews will be 90 minutes in length and will be held over Microsoft Teams. You will be required to prepare a 10–minute presentation in advance.

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.