S alary : £23,328 per annum
Hours : Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location : Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 20th October 2024
Interview date: December 2024/January 2025 (travel and accommodation will be reimbursed)
Start date: September 2025
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.
Would you like to be a part of a Technology Department that provides a wide range of technologies to help deliver the next generation of large science facilities and underpin the delivery of the UK and international science programs?
You will work within a multidiscipline team of scientists and engineers that are driving the development of new radiation detectors that will enable tomorrow's scientific discoveries!! We are seeking motivated Scientists and Engineers with an interest in detectors, readout electronics and data processing to support delivery of next generation detector systems. Your work will primarily be based on X-ray detection systems but you will also have the opportunity to work on neutron, optical and IR detectors. You will join the team designing, building, testing and installing detector systems that will unlock the scientific discoveries of tomorrow.
Brief overview of the scheme
STFC's exceptionally diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborating environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the beginning. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here .
Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Characterising detector and readout hardware in the laboratory
- Process and present numerical data using computer tools
- Report on test findings and feedback into detector system design
- Conduct beam tests and commissioning at large science facilities in the UK and abroad
- Plan and conduct experimental tests on detector materials and readout electronics
- Identify and solve problems in experimental systems
- Process data to extract results and figures of merit
- Present results in written reports and oral presentations
- Be an active member of multi-disciplinary research teams
- Strong academic background with or forecasted first or 2:1 in a Physics or Electronics based degree
- Curiosity about detectors and electronics and able to learn
- Basic knowledge of detectors, radiation interactions with matter and electronics
- Good practical skills
- Some experience in computer programming in a language such as C, C++, Python, Matlab, etc.
- Demonstrate a systematic and analytical approach to problem solving
- Good written and spoken communication skills
- Able to work independently and within a team
To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Key - Shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential:
- Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S)
- Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
- Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
- Able to commence employment in summer 2025 (S)
- Experience of conducting practical experimental work (S&I)
- Strong numerical and problem solving skills (S&I)
- Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence people at all levels (I)
- Demonstrate good team working capabilities (I)
- Organised and motivated (I)
- Interest and basic knowledge of detectors, radiation, electronics or optics (S&I)
Desirable :
- Experience of programming hardware such as Arduinos, Raspberry Pis or FPGAs. (S & I)
- Demonstrate ability to process data in software (C, C++, Python, Matlab or similar) (S)
- Knowledge and experience of using detectors, radiation or electronics (S&I)
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.
We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- External Closing Date: Oct 20, 2024
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 23,328
- Hours: Full-time / Part-time