Computational Scientist Industrial Placement Warrington, North West England, England
Job description
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £20,129 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington
*Please note, we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate*
In the Scientific Computing Department (SCD) (https://stfc.ukri.org/SCD), we research, develop and support leading-edge high-performance computational & data storage infrastructures and scientific software to perform and support world-class science.
We have over 240 staff in roles such as system management, research software engineering and computational science developing projects and services to make a real difference to the scientific communities we support. We help our communities by providing systems and software to help analyse, simulate and visualise research data.
As part of (SCD), the Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) division has four major groups, e.g. theoretical and computational physics, computational chemistry, biology and life sciences and computational engineering. This placement will sit within the computational engineering group.
The computational engineering group uses and develops a large range of software tools to aid to model and simulate various processes important to different engineering aspects. The group has a particular focus on problems related to fluid dynamics, but our work also encompasses other related subjects like structural mechanics as well as the coupling between these two.
Are you interested in computational science and engineering? This placement will apply available numerical tools developed and/or maintained in the computational engineering group to carry out thermal-mechanical analysis of ISIS Target Station 2 (TS2).
ISIS TS 2 is a major upgrade of the ISIS spallation neutron source with significantly improved and optimised performance. ISIS 2 (TS2) is an assembly of a tungsten core clad with tantalum in which cooling channels are enclosed. Numerical simulations are used to get a better understanding of the impact of operational conditions on its lifetime and most likely target failure causes. This project will carry out the thermal and mechanical modelling of ISIS TS2, focusing on the water cooling conditions, beam induced stresses and residual stresses from manufacturing.
In this project, the student will be provided with training in the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, finite element analysis tools for structure, code-coupling techniques, data processing techniques, and numerical modelling requiring high performance computing (HPC).
The student will also be working on outreach activities to democratise the capabilities of the tools and computing power to the general public, and to promote these tools to the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Overview of our industrial placement scheme
STFC’s exceptionally diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you’ll become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the beginning. You’ll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers 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 responsibilities
The placement will involve numerical simulations of heat transfer and fluid motion applied to STFC Facility-relevant devices. Duties will include:
- Digitalisation of infrastructure/ facilities i.e, the ISIS TS2
- Application of numerical models representing the physics of the problem
- Numerical data analysis and visualisation
- Dissemination via public engagement activities including preparation of videos, posters and showcases.
You will receive training in programming and in using industrially relevant open-source tools to perform and analyse the numerical simulations. This will include running this software on HPC systems.
In order to apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Essential:
- Currently be enrolled on an undergraduate degree course
- Be required or have requested to take a placement year
- Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement
- Educational background in engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics
- Basic knowledge in thermal hydraulics including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and structural mechanics
- A sound understanding of numerical modelling of techniques
Desirable:
- Some experience of programming in either C/C++, Fortran or Python
- Technical proficiency with data analysis/visualisation applications such as MS excel, Paraview etc
- Good ability to disseminate scientific ideas and data via videos, images, presentations, posters and reports
- Basic knowledge of Linux OS and high-performance computing
- Passion for technology and engineering
- Excellent interpersonal skills and possess the ability to work well in a team as well as independently
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
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.
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.
