Experimental Laser Scientist (Artemis) - Industrial Placement

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Experimental Laser Scientist (Artemis) - 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 Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is a world-class research group with over 100 technical and scientific staff, providing advanced research facilities for UK and international scientists.

Artemis is the CLF’s facility for ultrafast laser and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) science, and carries out a variety of experiments ranging from gas-phase chemistry to materials science. The facility is based on high-repetition-rate, tuneable laser sources, and the generation of ultra-short pulses of XUV radiation. The laser sources are connected by vacuum beamlines to various experimental end stations for studying a variety of different ultrafast phenomena. Experiments on Artemis aim to use XUV pulses to track the evolution of electronic states in dissociating molecules or in phase changes in solid-state crystalline materials (e.g., graphene, etc.).

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

A placement position working within the Artemis Group alongside staff and visiting scientists is being offered, with an emphasis on ultrafast science based on extreme ultraviolet laser pulses. You will be trained to work with state-of-art ultrafast lasers, various optics, large-scale vacuum systems, advanced instrumental control and data analysis. Together with staff scientists and engineers, you will be helping visiting scientists and students from UK and international research groups with setting up experiments and solving problems as they occur. You will also have specific projects, both on your own and as part of the team, to help develop the facility.

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)
• First two years of degree course in physics, chemistry or a closely related subject, with grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher (S)
• GCSE English or equivalent (S)
• Experimental physics, chemistry, or closely related laboratory course (S)
• Ability to apply knowledge of science to solve problems (I)
• Understanding relevant fundamental principles from their university course (I)
• Highly motivated (I)
• Able to work independently and as part of a team (I)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills (I)
• Good problem-solving skills (I)
• Responsible approach to health and safety (I)

Desirable:

• A-levels in one or more of the following. Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths (S)
• Computer programming and/or data analysis skills (S)
• Experience working in a research or laboratory environment (S)

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.