Computational Modelling Physicists

AWE's Physics function is expanding, and we are looking for Computational Physicists
, at various stages of their careers, to join us!

AWE offers a diverse and unique scientific computing platform on a scale that only a handful of sites across the UK offer. It utilises multiple small development and large HPC platforms with novel architectures that are routinely used for code porting and research related activities.

Location: Aldermaston, West Berkshire. We are located between Reading and Basingstoke, with onsite parking.

• Junior Physicists (recent graduates): £31,000 - £35,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
• Experienced Physicists (PhD or graduates with post-graduate experience): £38,000 - £46,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
• Senior Physicists (experienced physicists with qualifications coupled with experience in industry): £52,000 - £65,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Closing Date: 2nd April 2024

In support of our important mission to underpin the current and future nuclear deterrent, security, and threat reduction programmes, we have opportunities available in the Computational Physics Group
.

As part of this group, you will help our mission of providing bespoke software and expertise used to model nuclear weapons and associated experimental physics  will help to deliver large-scale, highly parallel applications to solve complex physics problems, modernise and improve the efficiency, performance, and robustness of these applications, provide direct user support, and develop new and novel algorithms to solve physics problems of interest.

Whilst the following shouldn't be considered a checklist, we are interested in hearing from candidates who have and can demonstrate knowledge or experience in several of the following areas:

• A degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or other numerate discipline; equivalent NQF level 6 qualification or equivalent experience.
• A knowledge of physics in any of the following areas:
  • hydrodynamics,
  • thermodynamics,
  • material, particle, or radiative transport,
  • turbulence, mixing or atomic physics,
  • EMP, linear/non-linear wave propagation, atmospheric transport.
• Knowledge of some areas of numerical analysis, possibly including:
  • finite difference methods for ODEs/PDEs,
  • finite element methods for ODEs/PDEs,
  • numerical methods for hyperbolic problems,
  • methods for sparse linear systems.
• A knowledge of computer programming in some of the following areas:
  • The optimisation and running of large scientific calculations.
  • Experience of working in Unix/Linux environment.
  • Familiarity with C, C++, Fortran or similar high-level language and strong scripting skills (preferably Perl, Python and Bash
    ) and a willingness to improve on these.
  • Knowledge of good software development practices, including the use of tools to support this purpose.
  • Experience of developing large scale, highly parallel codes through mechanisms such as MPI, OpenMP or CUDA.
  • Experience in software testing.
• Experience of developing physics-based algorithms and the ability to analyse results.
• Experience in applying numerical modelling codes/tools to investigate complex physics processes.
• A methodical approach to problem solving with the ability to draw together and interpret data from a variety of sources to reach a conclusion.
• The ability to work independently and unsupervised, as well as within a team to achieve common goals.
• The ability to be flexible, self‑motivated and to handle multiple tasks.
• The ability to provide technical input, within your own field of expertise, that can influence a project, team or end user.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written

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 (including Bank Holidays).
• 9-day working fortnight - our employees have every other Friday off work.
• Flexible working hours.
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so…