Science and Technology Facilities Council

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.

ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, and on to fundamental studies of materials.

The neutronics group is responsible for the nuclear analysis used to support the design and optimisation of upgrades to the target, reflector and moderator assemblies as well as new neutron instrument beamlines. The main focus of the neutronics group is large scale simulation of the facility, but we also have an increasing experimental program to gather data to support future facility designs

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, please visit here.

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

The neutronics analysis placement student will work closely with a team of nuclear analysis experts to develop and test scientific software, tools and nuclear data. This could be testing how a new radiation transport code scales on large scale high performance computers, writing code to automate analysis and 3D visualisation of results or analysing experimental data on new moderator materials. The neutronics sandwich student may also help perform experiments at ISIS or other facilities to help benchmark code performance and improve the nuclear data that is used in the simulations. Recent nuclear analysis placement students have performed a range of studies including performing benchmark experiments, machine learning for moderator performance, and validation of time dependant simulation capabilities and measurement of neutron backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Working with the neutronics team to perform nuclear analysis calculations and benchmarking
• Working with the neutronics team to develop and test tools and codes for nuclear analysis
• To perform experiments and analyse the data
• Produce written reports and presentations on the work performed

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)
• Currently studying physics or computing focused course (S)
• Experience of computer programming such as Python, C or Fortran (S & I)
• Competent and confident using mathematics to solve problems (S & I)
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques (S & I)
• Good oral and written communication skills. (S & I)
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills (I)
• Enthusiasm & willingness to learn (I)
• Basic research skills i.e. use of journals (S & I)
• Knowledge of STFC/ISIS (I)

Desirable:

• Knowledge of nuclear physics (S & I)
• Knowledge/awareness of Monte Carlo Methods (S & I)
• Knowledge/awareness of radiation and radiation safety (S & I)
• Awareness of high performance computing (S & I)
• Research experience as part of a larger project (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.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

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.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

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. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

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. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.

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.