Radiological Protection Graduate Programme
- Salary: £32,000 per annum
- Programme length: Two years
- Location: Cumbria, North West England.
- Degree requirement: Minimum 2:2 in a relevant discipline
- Right to work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
The Opportunity
Join a leading organisation operating within the UK nuclear sector and begin a career supporting one of the country’s most important environmental and safety missions.
This two-year graduate programme provides the opportunity to complete two 12-month placements across different organisations, teams and locations. You will contribute to meaningful work supporting the safe, secure and sustainable management of the UK’s nuclear legacy.
Alongside your placements, you will take part in a structured graduate development programme designed to build your technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence. Where relevant, you will also receive support towards professional accreditation, registration or chartership.
Throughout the programme, you will learn from experienced industry professionals, develop a valuable network and gain broad exposure to the UK nuclear sector.
The Role
As a Radiological Protection Graduate, you will help protect employees, local communities and the environment by supporting the safe management of radiological hazards.
Radiological protection is essential to ensuring that nuclear operations, decommissioning programmes and waste management activities are completed safely and responsibly.
Working alongside experienced radiological protection specialists, engineers, safety professionals and operational teams, you may contribute to:
- Radiological risk assessments
- Workplace and environmental monitoring
- Radiation dose assessment and management
- Contamination prevention and control
- Radiological assurance and compliance
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Operational planning and technical support
- Identifying and assessing emerging radiological risks
- Supporting safe nuclear decommissioning and waste management
- Providing technical advice to multidisciplinary teams
You will develop an understanding of the scientific principles, regulations and practical controls that underpin radiological safety. You will also learn how specialist radiological advice supports operational decision-making, regulatory compliance and long-term environmental restoration.
About You
This programme would suit someone with a strong interest in science, safety and environmental protection who enjoys applying technical knowledge to practical, real-world challenges.
You may be particularly interested in areas such as:
- Radiation science
- Risk assessment
- Environmental monitoring and protection
- Nuclear safety
- Operational support
- Decommissioning and waste management
Previous experience within the nuclear sector is not required. You will receive structured training, professional development and support throughout the programme.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, you must:
- Hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 degree in a relevant discipline
- Have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
- Be willing to travel and relocate to different UK locations
- Be able to successfully complete the required security clearance and vetting checks
- Demonstrate a collaborative, respectful, open-minded and performance-focused approach
Location and Relocation
Placements are available across a range of sites and offices throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Applicants must be geographically flexible and prepared to relocate according to placement availability, development opportunities and business requirements. Relocation support will be available where required.
Salary and Benefits
The programme offers:
- A salary of £32,000 per annum
- A comprehensive professional development programme valued at £9,900
- Support with membership of up to two relevant professional institutions
- A dedicated support network, including a mentor, programme lead and graduate network
- Funded travel and subsistence for approved training and development activities
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Six additional discretionary leave days
- A contributory pension scheme
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support
- Digital healthcare services
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Your Future Career
At the end of the two-year programme, you will receive support in securing a suitable position within the participating organisations or the wider UK nuclear sector.
The experience, technical knowledge and professional network developed during your placements will provide a strong foundation for a long-term career in radiological protection, nuclear safety or environmental management.
Security Requirements
Any offer will be conditional upon proof of your right to work in the UK and the successful completion of the required security clearance and vetting checks.
Successful applicants must continue to meet all security obligations throughout the programme, including following local security procedures and reporting any changes in circumstances that could affect their clearance.