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: 27th 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.

Based in the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Gemini is a high intensity laser system that can generate extreme conditions of matter, comparable to the centre of a star. Researchers from the UK, EU, and around the world come to use Gemini to carry out a wide range of cutting-edge experiments studying the physics of intense laser-plasma interactions. Our research program supports a wide range of fundamental physics exploring relativistic plasmas, from laboratory astrophysics to quantum electro-dynamics.

Gemini is also one of the preeminent centres in the world for research in plasma accelerators - a new technology that promises to shrink the size of large-scale accelerators. Using Gemini, we explore advanced imaging applications of plasma accelerator-based novel radiation sources in medicine, material science and industrial inspection. Based on the proof of principle experiments done in Gemini, CLF is currently building a £100M facility, the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC) to exploit the applications of plasma accelerators.

As one of the most powerful laser facilities in the world, Gemini is under continuous development, some of which underpin EPAC. We are looking for a talented and motivated placement student to join our team who enjoys applying practical experimental skills to exciting scientific challenges.
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 successful applicant will join the Gemini experimental delivery team, a small group of experienced laser-plasma scientists. Previous experience working with lasers and optics is desirable, but not essential. Initially, you will work closely with experienced team members to learn key skills and techniques before being expected to work more independently and direct your own work. However, undergraduate experience (or equivalent) in a laboratory setting is assumed, and a basic understanding of the theory that underpins our work, i.e. lasers, optics and electromagnetic theory, is essential. The ideal applicant would be able to demonstrate an interest or knowledge of these topics beyond an undergraduate level, knowledge of plasma physics would be beneficial.

Our team works primarily to facilitate experiments using the Gemini laser, as well as working on facility development projects to enhance the quality of the research conducted here. As such, the roles taken on by placement students are varied, and exact duties can be tailored to suit your particular interests and capabilities.

Facility delivery consists of support tasks such as experimental planning, procurement, and preparing diagnostics, as well as working on the experiments themselves, i.e. helping with the set-up, running diagnostics, and analysing data. This constitutes a genuine contribution to new research; our previous students have been credited as co-authors on journal articles and many have gone on to PhD studies with user groups that they worked with while at Gemini.

Facility development projects generally involve design, construction and testing of hardware and/or software to enhance the quality of the research carried out at the CLF. You would be fully encouraged to contribute your own ideas for projects corresponding to your own skills and interests. Any experience in the design or building of technical equipment would be beneficial, but not critical, as we do enjoy a high level of engineering and technical support. The ability to keep accurate records, and clearly and concisely communicate ideas and results to the group is essential.

Students are generally given a large amount of autonomy, so drive and enthusiasm is essential. Candidates should be self-motivated, with good time management and task prioritisation skills. The ability to work effectively in a team is also required because all projects require contributions from multiple individuals with different areas of expertise.

A high-power laser laboratory is a hazardous environment with a real risk of serious, life changing injury, so a responsible approach to health and safety is imperative. Experience working in such environments is desirable, but not essential, as full safety training will be given.

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)
• First two years of degree course in physics, or a closely related subject, with grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher. (S)
• A-level Maths or equivalent (S)
• A-level Physics or equivalent (S)
• Good understanding of fundamental physics concepts (electromagnetism, lasers, optics) (S&I)
• Undergraduate experimental laboratory course (or similar practical experience) (S&I)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills (S&I)
• Able to work effectively both in a team and independently (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills (I)
• Responsible approach to Health and Safety (I)

Desirable:

• A-level Computing or Further Maths (S)
• Computer programming experience (e.g. MATLAB, Python) (S&I)
• Experience in the design and building of technical equipment, e.g. robotics, electronics, or anything mechanical (S&I)
• Experience working in a research laboratory environment (S&I)

Special Requirements
Essential:

Note: Working in a high-power laser laboratory is not physically demanding, but does have certain practical requirements: adequate vision in both eyes (with the aid of prescription glasses if required); being able to hear other team members so you are aware of hazards, standing for extended periods, and able to wearing PPE (laser goggles, gloves, mask etc). (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 ofapplications 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 visithttps://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers sitehttps://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 atwww.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 27, 2024
• Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 23,328
• Hours: Full-time / Part-time