Energy-Dependent Neutron Imaging and Elemental Analysis - Industrial Placement

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Energy-Dependent Neutron Imaging and 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 Crystallography and Engineering Groups are responsible for the operation of several neutron diffraction and imaging instruments at the ISIS Facility, which is located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. They typically supports around 200 experiments per year, across a diverse range of academic and industrial disciplines.  

Research studies include the stress distributions within engineering components, the provenance of historical artefacts, the behaviour of technologically important materials for energy production/storage, phase transitions within complex magnetic systems, and the chemical bonding within samples of relevance to earth/planetary science and pharmaceuticals.  

There is an extensive programme of development projects, many supported by collaborations with UK and international partners. These include new software for analysis of neutron diffraction/imaging data, novel sample environment devices that mimic conditions found in technological applications, upgrades to existing instruments and the construction of new instruments. 

Among others, Neutron Resonance Absorption Spectroscopy techniques have recently gained more interest for isotopically selective elemental analysis and imaging in several domains like nuclear waste, fertilisers, cultural heritage etc.., and ISIS, because of its short pulse, represents one of the few places in the world where this technique is available.  

The role of the student is the development of data analysis methods in order to offer a quantitative elemental analysis tools for ISIS instrument scientist and users. The student will interact with instrument scientists, users, and members of the computing department to develop the data analysis method.  

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

• During this project, the student will learn the basic ideas behind the application of neutron induced nuclear reactions in order to characterise materials in terms of their elemental composition
• The student will become familiar with the use of tools (e.g. nuclear physics databases) to extract the information essential to the neutron resonance based techniques
• The student will continue to work on a code based on python that at present provide a database for neutron absorption reactions cross sections, to import experimental data obtained using NRTI or NRCA technique, and perform operation on them like background subtraction, peak detection and integration, in order to obtain quantitative information about sample composition
• At the end of the project, the code will be validated using experimental data, new and already available, on reference and real samples as case study, both in terms of quantitative samples composition and 2D element and isotope distribution
• Experimental data to use as benchmark for the code are already available, but the student will be involved in experimental measurements using the INES instrument at ISIS, to gain a better understanding of the techniques  

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)
• Ability to program using Python (S&I)
• Background in Physics or Chemistry (S&I) 

Desirable:

• Advanced programming using python (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.