High-Energy Laser Scientist Industrial Placement

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High-Energy Laser Scientist 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.

Would you like to join a world record-setting team, working at the cutting edge of laser science?

We are the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA), the research and development arm of STFC’s Central Laser Facility (CLF). We pioneered the world-leading, high-energy laser amplifier technology known as DiPOLE. Using this technology, we have designed and built multiple record-breaking kilowatt-level, high-energy, diode-pumped solid-state lasers operating at both 10 Hz and 100 Hz pulse rates. Potential applications include research into high-energy-density phenomena and inertial fusion energy development. We are currently working on the commissioning of the 10 Hz, 1 PW beamline housed in the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre.

The first prototype DiPOLE laser we built is housed in our labs at the CLF. It operates at the 10 J, 10 Hz level and is a valuable experimental platform to test new technologies for developing our lasers and exploring new applications. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to be involved in experiments using the DiPOLE prototype laser, as well as leading their own unique research project that will directly contribute to both existing and future DiPOLE lasers. Research projects typically involve the development of new optical setups, integration of automated components and the testing and installation of new components into DiPOLE lasers. Candidates will be actively involved in the development, operation and testing of cutting-edge high-energy lasers. We aim to provide candidates with the chance to experience what it is really like to be a laser scientist.

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

This industrial placement is with a small and diverse team. You will be working directly with CALTA scientists and CLF engineers, and will be involved in a variety of different activities such as:

• Leading your own assigned project, under the guidance of a Technical Manager, where you will have direct influence over the outcomes
• Taking an active role in experiments and supporting world-renowned scientists, learning new skills and experiences continuously
• Developing techniques to improve DiPOLE lasers for improved performance (higher energies and repetition rates) and exploring new applications, both on your own and as part of a team
• Learning how to operate lasers; cryogenic systems; and high-vacuum systems in a clean room environment
• Learning and developing computer modelling and system control skills, to support your own project as well as other ongoing research activities
• Running experiments, analysing data and reporting your findings to the team, and other placement students, via written reports and presentations
• Networking by attending local conferences and collaborating with other departments within CLF.

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)
• Predicted grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher (S)
• Good problem solving skills (I)
• Good time management skills (I)
• Highly motivated and able to work independently (I)
• Enthusiastic about lasers (S&I)
• Effective communication skills (S&I)
• Works well in a team (S&I)
• Responsible approach to health and safety (I)

Desirable:

• Experience working in laboratories (S&I)
• Experience with lasers / optics (S&I)
• Experience with coding for data analysis (S&I)
• Experience with computational modelling of physical systems (S&I)
• Experience using computer software to control systems (S&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.