This role is based predominately onsite in our easily accessible premises in Milton Park, Abingdon. There is free car parking onsite and excellent public transport connections.
Proposed Start date: Monday, 6 July 2026
End Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
The Role
ST40 is a spherical tokamak designed and operated by Tokamak Energy Ltd. The device is equipped with a wide range of diagnostic systems used to monitor and analyse the plasma it generates. To support the visualisation of these diagnostic systems, a Python-based web application built using Dash is used.
We are recruiting a Summer Placement Student to join the Diagnostics Data and Control team, with a focus on new web‑based data visualisation development. In this role, the student will begin by exploring and understanding an existing data visualisation package currently used by the team. With guidance and support, they will contribute ideas for how this package could be made more modular and reusable and help implement improvements so that similar approaches can be applied to future projects.
The student will have the opportunity to research and experiment with a range of scientific data visualisation tools and libraries, develop an understanding of their strengths, and help assess which approaches best suit the team's needs. This placement is intended to be a learning experience, and it is fully expected that they will build new skills over the course of the placement.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Research and contribute ideas toward the modularisation strategy for an existing data visualisation package
* Support the development of Python‑based data visualisation tools, contributing to new or improved functionality
* Develop a deeper understanding of Python programming, including good coding practices and maintainable design
* Learn about the visualisation of complex scientific data and effective ways to communicate insights clearly
* Work collaboratively with the wider team to understand requirements and help deliver agreed tasks
* Present proposed strategies and implemented work at internal team meetings, with guidance and support
Requirements and Attributes We Value
* Familiarity with, and confidence using, Python programming, along with a willingness to develop skills further and learn good coding practices
* An interest in plasma physics and tokamaks; prior familiarity would be beneficial but is not essential
* Some awareness of Git, version control, or software development practices would be advantageous but is optional
* Any experience with databases is welcomed, though not required
* A strong willingness to learn new skills and engage with unfamiliar technical topics
* Commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing in the workplace
* Clear communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and communicate with stakeholders
* Undergraduate students in physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, confidence in quantitative work, and some experience with programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar)
* Clear motivation for the project and demonstration of how technical or computational skills have been applied in practice
Benefits
* Payment of £4,500
* Opportunity to work on and contribute to world‑class innovation
Equality of opportunity
Entry into employment with Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.
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