High Repetition Rate Targetry Development - Industrial Placement

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High Repetition Rate Targetry Development - 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 (Virtual)

Start date: September 2025

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

The Target Fabrication Group in the Central Laser Facility are responsible for providing complex objects for use in high-power laser experiments. These objects are at the focal point of high-intensity laser interactions and are made into complex geometries from novel materials. Target requirements are dependent on experimental requirements and vary broadly from one experimental campaign to the next: the experiments topics span plasma physics and particle acceleration, laboratory astrophysics, and industrial applications opportunities.

In order to create extreme environments, the laser is focused to an interaction point comparable to the width of a human hair, the targets that are required have features of the same magnitude. On this scale manufacture and quality control is extremely challenging. Target Fabrication requires a wide capability of physical and chemical processes, together with advanced characterisation techniques to deliver targets that meet the experiment’s requirements.

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

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

The facility has a key deliverable in the next 3 years of supporting high-repetition rate laser experiments; delivering thousands of batch produced targets to experiments on the new EPAC laser facility. The placement student in the group will be developing the capability to provide targets for these high rep rate experiments through the ongoing development of its automated target assembly project using pick and place robots, automated glue dispensing and palletisation of targets. The student will also support the scientific and engineering development of other high rep rate technologies such as liquid targets, additive manufacturing and tape target developments.

In addition to these projects the student will support the more general operational delivery of target to experiments on the Vulcan and Gemini laser systems.

• Demonstrate rapid manufacture of targets using automated assembly using existing technologies
• Program control systems responsible for the pick and place of a variety of objects
• Improve yield of picked and placed objects by implementing engineering solutions and testing outcomes
• Integrate the CLF Tape drive system into the robotic assembly project.
• Work in a clean-room laboratory environment
• Complete project documentation by tracking progress against milestones
• Run 3D printing technology for the benefit of the wider group
• Use CAD skills to assist the wider group with 3d design

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 (S)
• Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
• Able to commence employment in summer 2024 (S)
• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
• Subject of degree to be Physics, Robotics, Engineering, or closely related (S)
• Good knowledge on the basics of physics, A-level Physics (or equivalent) minimum (S&I)
• Knowledge of robotics or automation (university project or individual interest) (S&I)
• Working experience with 3D CAD design software (S)
• Good knowledge of how different materials are suited to different applications in an engineering context (I)
• Familiarity with Windows operating system (S)
• Good understanding of the terms repeatability, accuracy and tolerance in an engineering context (I)
• The ability to work individually on a project, plan effectively and write reports (S)
• Can identify hazards and work safely in a challenging environment (I)

Desirable:

• Basic knowledge of the type of experiment that could take place with a high-power laser (I)
• Some relevant programming experience with control systems for robotics (S&I)
• Experience using a 3D printer (S)
• Has used Solid Edge or Autodesk Inventor (S)
• Proven examples of working in a team to complete a technical or scientific project (S)
• Has presented project work to their academic supervisors or peers (S&I)

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.