Data Scientist – Year in Industry Placement

Why this role matters

Use data science to support work that helps reduce nuclear and radiological threats. You’ll analyse large, complex scientific datasets to help specialists understand evidence used in nuclear detection, forensics, treaty monitoring and verification.

At a glance

• Entry requirement: You should be working towards at least a 2:2 degree in Computer Science, Forensics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or a closely related subject. You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030.
• Security clearance: You must be a UK national, hold a UK passport, have lived in the UK for the past 10 years and be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.
• Working pattern: A 9-day working fortnight, with every second Friday off. This is an office and site-based role at Aldermaston, near Reading. Due to the nature and security of the work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home.
• Key dates:
  • Applications close: 31 October 2026
  • Start date: 2 August 2027

What you could work on

• Complex datasets: Explore large scientific datasets gathered across a range of technical disciplines and methods.
• Data science techniques: Apply analytical, statistical or computational approaches to identify patterns and improve understanding.
• Nuclear threat reduction: Support work linked to nuclear and radiological detection, nuclear forensics, treaty monitoring and verification.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Work alongside scientists from different specialisms to turn data into clear, useful evidence.

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an office and site-based placement. Due to the nature and security of our work, we cannot guarantee opportunities to work from home for part of the week. Being onsite means you’ll learn directly from subject matter experts, access hands-on support and build connections across technical teams. This day-to-day access can accelerate your development and help you get more from your placement year.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Data confidence: You enjoy working with complex information, exploring patterns and checking the quality of results.
• Analytical thinking: You can break down problems, test ideas and use evidence to reach clear conclusions.
• Technical curiosity: You’re interested in coding, statistics, scientific data or developing new analytical approaches.
• Collaboration: You can learn from specialists, explain your thinking and contribute positively to a multidisciplinary team.

Where this placement could take you

You’ll gain practical experience in scientific data analysis, computational methods, multidisciplinary teamwork and communicating evidence. The placement can prepare you for careers in data science, scientific computing, nuclear forensics, national security analysis or related technical fields, with the potential to return to AWE through a future graduate opportunity.

What happens after you apply

Online application Submit your application as soon as possible.

Online testing If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments, with practice materials available.

Virtual assessment centre Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected between October 2026 and January 2027.

Pre-assessment support You’ll be invited to a webinar with practical guidance on what to expect.

Offer and clearance If successful, you’ll move into the offer and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 2 August 2027.

Applications close on 31 October 2026, but apply as soon as possible. We will close the role early once we receive enough applications.

Please note: You must be graduating in 2029 or 2030

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.