Detector Developer Industrial Placement

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Detector Developer Industrial Placement

Salary: £23,328 per annum 

Hours: Full time 

Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ

Closing date: 20th October 2024

Interview date: December 2024/January 2025 (Virtual)

Start date: September 2025

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

The UKATC is the UK's national laboratory for the design and development of astronomical instrumentation. The UKATC has a rich heritage of instrumentation development for ground-based observatories as well as space facilities. It employs a broad spectrum of engineers and scientists across the full range of disciplines required for contemporary astronomy (optical design, mechanical engineering, electronics, software, systems engineering, project management). It also has an extensive track record of successfully applying techniques and technologies developed for astronomy to other sectors (e.g. Earth observation/remote sensing, environmental monitoring). The UKATC develops instruments for world leading organisations, such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

AM4Space is a multidisciplinary team that works in alongside the Project Science Group, Optics Group and the Mechanical Engineering Group at the UKATC. The motivation behind AM4Space is to explore the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing (AM; 3D printing) and how astronomical components can be redesigned to take advantage of AM – specifically telescope mirrors. The AM4Space team aims to solve some of the fundamental challenges inherent to AM that have so far prevented wider uptake of AM within the astronomical community, such as mechanical performance, particularly within harsh environments; optical performance of AM substrates; and linking design for AM with design for manufacture.

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.

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

As an AM4Space Industrial Placement student you will work in parallel with a current UKATC project team to redesign a key hardware component for AM. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, the AM redesign of the secondary mirror from the CubeSat Camera (CCAM) study, reducing the mass and combining multiple parts into one structure, or implementing a new AM design to convert an existing AM aluminium mirror into an AM ceramic mirror. The goal of the placement is to transfer the key knowledge in how the AM redesign has been achieved and the lessons learnt to the engineers, technicians and scientists working at the UKATC.

Anticipated responsibilities include:

• Using computer aided design (CAD) and AM specific design software to redesign the astronomical component to incorporate the benefits of AM.
• Using finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the redesigned component to ensure the design meets the requirements.
• Collaborating with the Engineering Support Group to ensure that the design can be both printed and machined.
• Coordinating the manufacture of the redesigned component.
• Evaluating the performance of the AM component and how it compares to the original conventional design.
• Creation of a project report intended for an external audience.

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)
• Enrolled on a Mechanical Engineering degree (or similar) (S).
• An understanding of engineering drawings and 3D modelling, coupled with a desire to learn 3D computer aided design software. (S&I)
• An enthusiasm for additive manufacturing linked with an interest in astronomy or space science (S&I).
• An understanding of multidisciplinary projects; demonstrated by providing a simple example of how multiple disciplines (for example, mechanical engineering, a science goal, electronics etc.) come together to form a project. The example does not have to reflect the candidate’s experience. (S)
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated by an ability to work with a broad range of individuals to achieve a goal (S&I).

Desirable:

• Knowledge of best practice design and/or analysis techniques, for example, the use of appropriate mechanical tolerances, or assessing the quality of measurement data. (S&I).
• Knowledge of 3D printing, either in design and/or via hands-on printing. (S&I)
• Knowledge of finite element analysis and its use relating to mechanical design. (S)
• An interest in public engagement (S).

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.