Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary : £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.
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world leading research facility that houses one of the most intense proton beams in the world. At ISIS, pulses of neutrons and muons are produced by accelerating protons to 800MeV and firing them at a tungsten or carbon target respectively. These pulses are then delivered to a range of scientific instruments, where they are used in a variety of scientific applications. For example, the muon group at ISIS operates a suite of state-of-the-art muon spectrometers that are used to characterise materials on the atomic scale.
The aim of this industrial placement project is to build on existing work to simulate and design a new low energy muon beamline at ISIS. The simulations performed will have a significant impact on the future of this long-term project and will answer the key question of how best to manipulate the existing ISIS muon beam to enable new types of low energy muon experiments.
Muons are transported down beamlines and implanted into materials. When a muon enters a material, it loses energy by colliding with the atoms and comes to rest. The muon then responds to its local environment within the material and can provide unique information about the physics or chemistry of the sample. The muon's implantation depth is determined by its incoming energy.
At ISIS, the muons used for experiments typically have an energy of 4MeV, which means they reach depths of around 0.1-1mm into materials. If the sample is thinner than this range the muons would pass straight through, and no useful information can be gained. Instead, the muons could be slowed down to energies around 10keV before they enter the sample, which reduces their implantation depth to the nanometre scale and makes exciting new types of measurement possible.
Existing methods for slowing muons are inefficient, with less than 1 in 10,000 high energy muons being slowed to low energies. However, the muon group at ISIS are collaborating with other scientists around the world to develop new and more efficient ways to perform the muon slowing process. These exciting developments would increase the density of low energy muons in the sample by orders of magnitude and allow scientists to study the surfaces of materials with a muon microscope.
Brief overview of the scheme
STFC's incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative 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 start. 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 .
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
The student will join the ISIS muon group where they will be supported in learning the fundamentals of how beams of charged particles, such as positive muons, can be simulated and how particle beams can be manipulated for use in materials science experiments at large scale facilities. There will be opportunities to learn core particle physics simulation tools such as Geant4 and G4beamline, to build a familiarity with how to process simulation data to draw key scientific conclusions, and to gain an understanding of muon experiments and instrument design. The student will also be encouraged to participate in experiments that aim to test our existing simulation results by measuring prototype muon slowing cells using the muon beam at ISIS.
The key responsibilities of the project are as follows:
To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Key - Shortlisting (S), at interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential:
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
Salary : £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.
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world leading research facility that houses one of the most intense proton beams in the world. At ISIS, pulses of neutrons and muons are produced by accelerating protons to 800MeV and firing them at a tungsten or carbon target respectively. These pulses are then delivered to a range of scientific instruments, where they are used in a variety of scientific applications. For example, the muon group at ISIS operates a suite of state-of-the-art muon spectrometers that are used to characterise materials on the atomic scale.
The aim of this industrial placement project is to build on existing work to simulate and design a new low energy muon beamline at ISIS. The simulations performed will have a significant impact on the future of this long-term project and will answer the key question of how best to manipulate the existing ISIS muon beam to enable new types of low energy muon experiments.
Muons are transported down beamlines and implanted into materials. When a muon enters a material, it loses energy by colliding with the atoms and comes to rest. The muon then responds to its local environment within the material and can provide unique information about the physics or chemistry of the sample. The muon's implantation depth is determined by its incoming energy.
At ISIS, the muons used for experiments typically have an energy of 4MeV, which means they reach depths of around 0.1-1mm into materials. If the sample is thinner than this range the muons would pass straight through, and no useful information can be gained. Instead, the muons could be slowed down to energies around 10keV before they enter the sample, which reduces their implantation depth to the nanometre scale and makes exciting new types of measurement possible.
Existing methods for slowing muons are inefficient, with less than 1 in 10,000 high energy muons being slowed to low energies. However, the muon group at ISIS are collaborating with other scientists around the world to develop new and more efficient ways to perform the muon slowing process. These exciting developments would increase the density of low energy muons in the sample by orders of magnitude and allow scientists to study the surfaces of materials with a muon microscope.
Brief overview of the scheme
STFC's incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative 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 start. 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 .
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
The student will join the ISIS muon group where they will be supported in learning the fundamentals of how beams of charged particles, such as positive muons, can be simulated and how particle beams can be manipulated for use in materials science experiments at large scale facilities. There will be opportunities to learn core particle physics simulation tools such as Geant4 and G4beamline, to build a familiarity with how to process simulation data to draw key scientific conclusions, and to gain an understanding of muon experiments and instrument design. The student will also be encouraged to participate in experiments that aim to test our existing simulation results by measuring prototype muon slowing cells using the muon beam at ISIS.
The key responsibilities of the project are as follows:
- Work together with ISIS scientists to simulate and optimise a new low energy muon beamline and instrument at ISIS. This will involve developing an understanding of how to use Geant4 and G4beamline to simulate charged particle beams.
- Based on the simulation results, quantify how efficiently the beamline can slow muons for use in materials science experiments.
- Work with ISIS and visiting scientists on any related experiments being carried out during the placement.
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)
- Be able to quickly become familiar with new scientific software (S&I)
- Have experience of data analysis and drawing scientific conclusions (S&I)
- Experience with basic computer programming (S&I)
- Be able to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively (I)
- Undergraduate level knowledge of electromagnetism and how charged particles behave in magnetic and electric fields (S&I)
- Experience of writing simple programs for physics simulation and data analysis (S&I)
- Be self-motivated and able to work independently (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) - ISIS
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- External Closing Date: Oct 20, 2024
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 23,328
- Hours: Full-time
