Technical Graduate - Chemistry
Job Introduction
Discover our Technical Graduate Scheme
Our vision is to be the world leading ‘go to’ nuclear laboratory.
We have an exciting science and technology strategy for the future. To deliver it, we need to continuously develop our technical talent. Our Technical Graduate Scheme is purpose-built to develop our next generation of technical experts. On the programme you will be given the opportunity to work on challenging and exciting projects within the industry, whilst developing your skills to enable you to reach your potential.
We’ll help you to develop both personally and technically. We’ll surround you with the best minds in the nuclear industry – from around the world – encouraging you to learn from others and develop yourself in all ways, at all times. You’ll be challenged, stretched and pushed to your limits – just as we’re pushing the limits of what’s possible in nuclear.
You’ll discover the industry, discover yourself and discover the future. Of that, we’re certain.
Learning & Development
Our Technical Graduate Scheme is a three-years three months programme in which you’ll be placed in a set team with a line manager. We will also offer you project management experience and a secondment into our ICE (Insight, Create, Execute) business area who lead on our Science and Technology strategy.
When you join, we’ll give you a five-day induction so you can learn about NNL, the programme you’ll be following and, of course, what we expect from you.
From there, you’ll experience a number of training modules taking time out of the business to work on your development every two-three months. We’ll cover everything from time management and team working, to report writing and ethics. You’ll be given a set amount of time each week that’s purely dedicated to work on your development. We’ll learn about you together.
Whilst you’re continually looking to personally develop throughout the training programme, you could find your next discovery whilst being involved in projects of global importance; surrounded by a support network of experts who want you to succeed.
What will you discover?
Role Responsibility
Discover Chemistry
Graduate Chemists can fulfil a number of different roles within the NNL.
You could be based in a team with over 100 years of experience in the nuclear industry, working on experimental research and development related to actinide chemistry (particularly the transuranic actinides). You could be involved in reprocessing technologies, actinide behaviours in legacy pond wastes, plutonium materials and surface science and actinide coordination chemistry.
Graduate Chemists are involved in business development, product innovation, project delivery and environmental, safety, security and quality relating to projects in the industry.
Chemistry graduates may provide support to operating and future reactors systems through analysis of the chemistry occurring in the reactor coolant systems. This could be related to modelling or experiments to understand the movement of radioactive material and so the dose to operators or the impact of chemistry on the operation or corrosion of the reactor.
You may provide support across the nuclear fuel cycle through developing the understanding of radiation chemistry and the impact this might have on plants such as through production of flammable gases, degradation and corrosion of material or reduction in the efficiency of a process.
What will you discover?
The Ideal Candidate
Discover what we want from you:
We’ll expect you to graduate or have graduated with a 2:1 or higher in Chemistry.
More than this, though, we need graduates with enquiring minds. People who know there’s more to discover, and who have the drive and determination to discover it. Whether that’s untapped skills within themselves, or undiscovered solutions to the world’s energy issues. We need passionate, driven individuals who know that the world as it stands is not enough; who’ll push against barriers until they break through. We need individuals who can take the initiative to work both independently and within a team. We are looking for graduates who want to learn from the best, even when they become the best themselves.
About the Company
We play a key role in the UK and global nuclear industry. That means reducing the cost of clean-up and decommissioning, maintaining critical skills and attracting talented new people to the industry. We're the only UK organisation with the skills, facilities and expertise to provide technical support to all aspects of the nuclear industry. What's more, we pride ourselves on offering quality, value and service to every one of our customers.
National Nuclear Laboratory