Beamline Simulation for Elemental Analysis Industrial Placement

Job Details

View similar jobs

Beamline Simulation for Elemental Analysis Industrial Placement

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. 

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory provides beams of subatomic particles that are used to study a wide range of different materials in order to answer questions in science and engineering. It is used by scientists from the UK and around the world working in both academia and industry. The ISIS Muon Group operates seven muon areas, and ten instruments, for condensed matter, molecular studies, engineering, and cultural heritage.   

Recently, we have been developing a new area, which uses the unique capabilities offered by the RIKEN-RAL muon facility at ISIS. The ability to extract beams of negative muons with a wide momentum range at this facility has enabled the development of a non-destructive elemental composition technique called µ-XES (muonic X-ray Emission Spectroscopy). This technique in comparison to some of the other non-destructive techniques, can probe deeper into the material along with many other advantages. This technique has been used to address a broad science program, from cultural heritage to biomaterials to energy related materials and has seen a large interest in industry related experiments. This has utilised a beta-instrument called MuX (see MuX instrument page). We are currently in the process of developing an optimise spectrometer. This project, upon completion, will lead to significant benefits to ISIS, as it should yield a better-optimised instrument with improved performance.    

The project student will be a member of the ISIS Muon group and would be supported by group members Sayani Biswas (LM), Adrian Hillier, and James Lord.  

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 participating in this project will be involved in:

• Be involved with world-leading experiments in a range of science areas
• Modelling and optimizing the RIKEN-RAL muon beamlines 
• Modelling the detector coverage to ensure the best locations for the different detector types (essential for MuX upgrade)
• Integration of the resultant modelling of the beamline and detector geometry in the data analysis package
• Installation and comparison of PHITS, GEANT4/G4beamline and SRIM/TRIM code for modelling elemental analysis experiments and muon implantation profiles and integration with data analysis package code.   

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)
• A-level (or equivalent) Physics and/or Chemistry (S)
• Undergraduate level understanding of Physics or Chemistry or a related subject (S&I)
• A basic knowledge on programming languages (preferably python or equivalent) (S&I)
• Good communication skills and demonstrate good team working capabilities (S&I)
• The willingness to develop new skills, both technical and non-technical (S&I)
• Willing to work in the ISIS experimental halls (I) 

Desirable:

• An interest in learning new simulation software packages with any previous experience (S&I)
• Have a basic understanding of any elemental analysis technique (S&I)
• An advanced knowledge on programming languages (preferably python or equivalent) (S&I)
• Open minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned to them (S&I)
• Problem solving abilities (I)
• Willing to undertake travel on business, within and outside of the UK (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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.