Are you passionate about chemistry and motivated by applying your expertise where it truly matters  protecting people, the environment and enabling safe nuclear decommissioning? Do you want a role where your technical judgement, leadership and curiosity are valued, and where no two days feel quite the same?

At Hinkley Point A, our Radiological Protection and Environment Team is looking for an experienced Radiochemist to take ownership of the Site Laboratory. This is a highly visible role at the heart of the site’s environmental programme, directly supporting the forward decommissioning journey. With a four‑day working week and a strong team ethos, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying real work‑life balance.

What will you be doing

You’ll lead the day‑to‑day management of the Site Laboratory, ensuring it operates to the highest technical, safety and quality standards. Your expertise will underpin the timely delivery of high‑quality analytical results that support environmental monitoring, waste characterisation and regulatory assurance.

Working closely with internal customers, regulators and the wider waste and environmental teams, you’ll be a trusted technical authority. You’ll drive continuous improvement, develop your team’s capability, and provide clear, confident advice on radiochemistry, sampling, COSHH and related risks all within a nuclear‑licensed environment where safety is paramount.

• Managing and continuously improving laboratory practices, systems and performance in line with industry standards
• Leading, training and developing laboratory staff while fostering a strong safety culture
• Delivering timely, high‑quality analytical reporting and maintaining robust performance records
• Providing authoritative technical advice, supporting audits, and contributing to site emergency and environmental arrangements

Who are we looking for

You’re an enthusiastic and credible radiochemist with a strong laboratory background and the confidence to lead. You’re comfortable operating in a regulated environment, communicating clearly with a wide range of stakeholders, and taking accountability for quality, safety and delivery. You enjoy being hands‑on while also thinking strategically about improvement and future needs.

The ideal candidate will hold a qualification in an engineering, science or related discipline, with a minimum of NQF Level 4 (HNC) or Level 5 (HND) / SCQF Level 7 or 8 being essential, and a degree at NQF Level 6 considered desirable. You’ll bring technical experience in radiological disciplines relevant to waste management and decommissioning, supported by strong communication and organisational skills. Experience of working within a nuclear plant environment is advantageous but not essential. 

• Strong technical credibility in radiochemistry and laboratory operations
• A proactive, safety‑focused mindset with excellent communication skills
• The ability to lead people, manage priorities and drive continuous improvement

Please note - We also welcome applications for those looking to develop and therefore may not meet all the essential criteria for the role. In these circumstances there may be a lower grade offered for a development opportunity. The successful candidate would be considered on a case-by-case basis and supported with a PDP (Personal Development Plan) to enable a clear path for progression into the role.