Chemistry (Regulation) - Nuclear Graduates 2027

There has never been a more exciting time to join the nuclear sector. From energy generation to waste management, transport through to decommissioning, the Nuclear Graduates programme provides you with the opportunity to contribute to some of the biggest challenges facing our society.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has brought together leading businesses and organisations to create the award winning & professionally accredited Nuclear Graduates programme.

We are excited to announce that the sponsoring companies for the 2027 cohort are: Rolls-Royce, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, and Great British Energy - Nuclear.

Whether your passion lies within science, engineering or business, Nuclear Graduates will ensure that over two years you will gain an invaluable insight into the breadth of the UK’s nuclear sector, giving you the opportunity to contribute to innovative designs, systems, products, and services.

As a Nuclear Graduate, you will have the opportunity to see the nuclear sector from different perspectives, learning from leading experts on projects that have real impact. You will also receive a programme of professional development to enhance your skills and expertise, whilst also demonstrating a commitment to understanding the communities in which the nuclear sector works.

As a Nuclear Graduate sponsored by ONR, you will apply your knowledge and developing expertise to support the regulation of nuclear licensed sites. Your work will contribute to ONR’s mission to ensure safe nuclear operations for a secure and sustainable future.

As part of our specialist chemistry team of inspectors, you will have a unique opportunity to get involved in a range of chemistry aspects and challenges associated with regulating the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of a range of reactor types, as well as fuel cycle and waste management facilities. The work can include undertaking inspections on nuclear licensed sites, as well as assessing the chemistry aspects of safety case submissions in relation to:

reactor chemistry to maintain coolant loops, prevent corrosion and minimise build-up of radioactive activation products;
spent fuel management;
chemical processes used to treat, immobilise and condition radioactive waste for long-term safe storage and disposal; and
chemical processes for the production of nuclear fuel, including new High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors.

We are looking for individuals who can combine strong technical capability with effective interpersonal skills. The role involves building and maintaining positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including licensees, government bodies and international partners.

You should be able to communicate clearly, work well as part of a team, influence others appropriately and make sound judgements. We also value self-awareness, including an understanding of your own limits and when to seek support.

We welcome applications from individuals with a BSc or MSc degree in Chemistry.

If you are passionate about making a difference to safety in the nuclear sector, enjoy a challenge and thrive in both technical and collaborative environments, we encourage you to apply.

Throughout your two-year journey on the Nuclear Graduates programme you will be employed by Energus whilst being supported by an industry leading sponsoring organisation.

At the end of your two-year programme, you will be supported in securing a role with your sponsoring organisation or within the wider nuclear sector.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject.
Candidates need to have the right to work for the duration of the 2 year programme. Any offers will be conditional upon satisfactory right to work checks.
Successful completion of security clearance checks.
Applicants must be willing and able to travel and relocate. Energus head office is based in Workington, Cumbria, but role locations will vary dependent on sponsor location.
Start date: September 2027

Recruitment stages

The recruitment and selection process consists of the following stages:

Online application form - please complete all required sections of the application to ensure this is submitted successfully.
Psychometric assessment - called Neurosight, this will be sent via email.
Online interview - a 30 minute video interview with representatives from one of the sponsoring organisations.
Assessment centre – these will be delivered face to face and will involve various activities, alongside insightful information around the nuclear industry and our programme.
Offer - following our assessment centres, we aim to issue outcomes within two weeks. Successful candidates will begin their exciting journey as a Nuclear Graduate, working with our dedicated Energus People & Skills team to complete security paperwork ahead of starting the programme in September 2027.
Onboarding - we welcome all our graduates ahead of the start date, through social media groups and welcome sessions, ensuring you are prepared, and any support required is in place, providing you with the best start to your exciting future as a Nuclear Graduate.
Face-to-face assessment centres will take place in early 2027. If you are invited to an assessment centre and are unable to attend, unfortunately you may be unable to complete the selection process.

We encourage you to regularly check emails (including any junk mail/spam folders) throughout the selection process, all correspondence including selection invitation will be sent via email.

Closing Date: 12:00 (noon) Friday 6th November 2026

Any applications received after this date will not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early should we receive sufficient applications. We encourage that you apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Please note only one Nuclear Graduates application is required, please do not submit multiple applications.