Description Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Salary: £24,961 per annum Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 months Hours: Full-time, 37 hours Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025 Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026 Start Date: September 2026 A neutron beam is called polarized when the spins of the neutrons are dominantly aligned in the same direction. In the scattering from condensed matter objects, such beams can be used to improve the information gained from experiments. For example, the use of polarized neutrons enables to separation the different scattering processes that contribute to the overall signal. ISIS Polarized neutrons section (POLNS) is a small team based on the collaboration between Sample Environment (SE) group and the Neutron & Muon Instrument Development group (NMIDG). It is responsible for the development of new polarized neutron instrumentation and software, as well as the provision of polarized infrastructure for several instruments. (For our most recent developments, see e.g. https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.05148). Currently, we are looking for an independent and motivated placement student to strengthen our crew. 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’ll become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You’ll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Graduate Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities. About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities The main task of the project is further development of the software we use to control the experimental equipment for polarized neutrons experiments, such as NMR setup for measuring the relaxation time of 3He spin filters, magnetostatic cavities (“Magic box”), Mezei-type neutron polarization flipper, 3-axis Newport robot arm combined with 3-axis Hall magnetic probe. Along with good programming skills, this job will require the ability to understand the purpose and operation principles of the equipment we use, as well as to test the software performance in the real experimental setups. In addition to the above, depending on your interests and skills, you will also have the opportunity to take part in other Polarized Neutrons section activities. In particular, this may include the design and/or commissioning of the new pieces of equipment for polarized neutron experiments and experimental support on neutron instruments. Full scientific and technical support will be provided. You will also be able to present the results of your work in the scientific meeting and/or seminars, for example, at the UK Neutron & Muon Science and User Meeting (NMSUM). The work of our previous placement student, presented at NMSUM-2024, won a student poster prize. Given the variety of activities the Polarized Neutrons section is involved in, the working environment is dynamic and sometimes fast-paced. This makes for a team culture where creativity, independence, and a sense of adventure are valued. At the same time, you will be working in a small, friendly, and tight-knit group where you will be valued as a full member of the team. Person Specification The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), 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 2026 (S) Studying for a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or similar (S) Evidence of good knowledge of programming with Python (S&I) Good written and oral communication skills (S&I) Willingness to learn required technical and non-technical skills (I) Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative (S&I) Desirable: Basic awareness of the project context and of physical principles underlying project (S&I) Knowledge of other programming languages (S&I) Good laboratory skills (S&I) Evidence of ability to work independently, via e.g. a summer internship (S&I) Employee Benefits: 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days). Flexible working hours. An excellent defined average salary pension scheme. Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking. Excellent learning and development opportunities. Cycle to work scheme. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/ As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y Application Guidance Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate. 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. We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!