Detector Scientist Industrial Placement Didcot, 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, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
*Please note, we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate*
The Central laser facility, within the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, is home to multiple high-power, high-intensity laser systems, such as Gemini, Vulcan and the upcoming facility EPAC. These facilities can generate extreme conditions of matter, varying from intense x-ray beams for imaging, to laboratory-scale astrophysics. Researchers from the UK, EU and around the world come to use our facilities to carry out a wide range of cutting-edge experiments into ultra-high intensity laser-plasma interactions.
Our research program includes fundamental science exploring relativistic plasmas and laboratory astrophysics as well as fusion science and the production of energetic particle beams and novel radiation sources for applications such as advanced imaging applications in medicine, material science and industrial inspection. The upcoming EPAC facility is aiming to deliver fundamental scientific research capability as well as a unique and powerful radiation source for applications – these applications can range from x-ray computed tomography to neutron induced spectroscopy in the same facility.
The Experimental Science Group at the CLF is looking for a talented and motivated placement student who enjoys a mix of theoretical and practical work to join our team.
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 successful applicant will join the Experimental Science Group and will work in collaboration with The Millimeter-Wave Technology (MMT) Group (RAL-Space), to build and develop diagnostics to characterise the bright emission from laser-plasma interactions. These diagnostics will vary from imaging detectors to spectrometers of both photons and particles.
Previous experience working with optics and cameras 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, some experience in a laboratory setting is assumed, and a basic understanding of the theory that underpins our work, i.e. lasers, optics, radiation mechanisms, and electromagnetic theory, is essential. The ideal applicant would be able to demonstrate an interest or knowledge of these topics beyond an undergraduate level.
Diagnostic development requires a multitude of skills, both practical and theoretical, to deliver. From characterising the diagnostic with a known source, to estimating expected signal levels during an experiment and analysing the resultant data produced.
We work closely with partners at TIFR Institutes in India through the EPIC programme, and academic groups across the UK/Europe, to develop complimentary diagnostics for a wide range of laser systems, experiments and applications. Through this placement, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with academic groups during their experiments on either Vulcan on Gemini, to test diagnostics or perform scientific measurements using a diagnostic. There is a real possibility to make a genuine contribution to research in this role, former students have appeared as authors on journal articles and many have gone on to PhD studies!
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 development 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. Ultimately, however, the complexity of the work we do means that all projects require contribution from multiple individuals with different areas of expertise, so the ability to work in a team and coordinate with others is required.
A high-power laser lab is a hazardous environment so a responsible approach to health and safety is imperative. Thorough safety training will be given as standard before any work is conducted in these areas, and experience working in such environments is desirable, but not essential.
In order to apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Qualifications
Essential:
- Currently 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
- First two years of degree course in physics, or a closely related subject, with grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher
- Completed/undergoing undergraduate coding modules
- Completed/undergoing undergraduate electromagnetism/optics modules
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential:
- Good understanding of basic physics concepts (electromagnetism, lasers, optics)
- Undergraduate experimental laboratory course
- Practical laboratory skills - this will be tested by a laboratory exercise or presentation.
- Computer programming experience (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C++)
Desirable:
- Experience or interest in the design and building of technical equipment
- Experience working in a research laboratory environment
- Understanding of the principles of spectroscopy
- Experience working in high-hazard environment
Personal skills, qualities and attributes
Essential:
- Effective communication skills
- Demonstrate good team working capabilities
- Highly motivated and able to work independently
- Good problem-solving skills
- Responsible approach to health and safety
Special requirements
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).
We encourage you to please speak to us about any adjustments you may require.
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.
