Exciting Opportunity in a World-Class Experimental Facility in France
Are you looking for a unique and rewarding career opportunity?
AWE is currently seeking a skilled Applied Scientist (Diagnostics) to join our team at the EPURE facility in Dijon, France. EPURE is a state-of-the-art experimental testing facility, and this is your chance to work in partnership with our French counterparts and be part of something extraordinary!
Location: Reading/France - Dijon Area
Package: £33,770- £48,000 (dependent upon skills and experience)
Closing Date: 10th October 2023
This role will initially be based in the UK with the expectation that the employee will move to France (once visas are approved) for an assignment of up to 5 years. At the end of the assignment, the employee will be re-deployed back to the UK.
Job/Role Purpose?
High energy flash x-ray radiography is the primary diagnostic used in AWE hydrodynamic experiments, to provide dynamic materials data for the AWE Design and Theoretical Physics community. The performance of the radiographic system used to capture experimental data is dependent on the setup of the x-ray source, the radiographic detectors and the experimental environment.
If you are successful, you will be responsible for measurement of x-ray dose using dosimetry, and modelling of radiation transport/interaction within the experimental environment, e.g., scatter, attenuation, using Monte Carlo radiation transport codes, working as part of a joint UK/French team.
You will also be expected to support the operation of other radiographic diagnostics and dosimetry.
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:
- Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave.
- 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.
- 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 generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (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.
The working pattern in France at EPURE is a 5-day week. At AWE the working pattern is based on a 9-day fortnight, with every other Friday off.
Key Accountabilities
- Provide technical contribution in support of empirical research projects & experimentation
- Makes decisions on how to deliver their own tasks, drawing on their technical knowledge to solve problems or seek help, where needed
- Follow established technical processes and equipment operating instructions and communicates ideas on process improvements
- Delivery of own technical objectives to time and quality
- Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality and be a great team player
Key Responsibilities
- Measurement of x-ray dose
- Modelling of radiation transport/interaction
- Operation of other radiographic diagnostics/detectors
- Work to maintain a good knowledge and awareness in chosen technical field(s)
- Develop awareness of team, function and company processes and technical capabilities
- Participates in collaborative working relationships as part of a team (internal/external)
- Ensure technical equipment is maintained, calibrated and appropriately operated
- Presents own technical achievements via most appropriate means
- Undertake assessment of own work as part of progress checking, provide progress reports and deliver final technical output to scope
Ensure the safe conduct of research activity and take appropriate action to maintain and improve standards.
Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:
- ONC, HNC or degree level science qualification, in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field
- Radiation transport code programming experience, preferably using GEANT4 & MCNP
- Knowledge and/or experience in data capture and radiographic detection techniques
- Effective communication skills, both written and oral, and able to communicate information in a clear and concise manner
- Organisational skills: capable of multi-tasking, identifying, and managing priorities to meet defined time scales
- Good problem solving and analytical skills
- Experience of working within a team towards common goals
- Positive attitude and able to adapt to change
Candidates must be willing and able to:
- Attain Developed Vetting security clearance
- Operate in workplaces of substantial hazard (radiological, explosive, toxic)
- Be comfortable with working in the defence industry in support of the UK nuclear deterrent
- Be willing to relocate to France and live within 1 hour of the Valduc site and be permanently located in France for up to 5 years
- Undertake secondary roles for the UK Senior Technical operator in support of UK operations
- Gain the ability to communicate in French, as this is essential for this role. Whilst training will be provided (if needed), it should be recognised that significant personal commitment and self-study will be required to reach the required level. The candidate will need to reach DELF A2 ahead of deployment to work in the EPURE high hazard area.
- Be fit to wear a respirator and work in a radiation-controlled area
Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.
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