Description Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Salary: £24,961 per annum Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 months Hours: Full-time, 37 hours Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025 Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026 Start Date: September 2026 The Central Laser Facility (CLF) is one of the world’s leading laser facilities providing scientists from the UK, Europe and around the world with an unparalleled range of state-of-the-art laser technology to carry out a broad range of pioneering experiments in physics, chemistry and biology. Our work impacts on the biggest challenges facing humanity – access to clean energy, health and wellbeing, the preservation of the environment which we all share and sustainable food production. We train people in advanced skills, drive economic innovation and encourage excellence in all that we do. We are currently on the path the building the world’s most powerful laser, Vulcan 20-20 (20 Petawatts, 20 Kilojoules). 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 We are looking to fill an Impact and Engagement placement position to play a full role in promoting Central Laser Facility science to a range of audiences. You will join a departmental team that plays a major role within STFC, promoting science through a range of channels including websites, social media, video/audio/graphics, specialist and national media, events, exhibitions and education activities. A passion for science and technology, an enjoyment of writing, a willingness to learn new things and the ability to explain sometimes complex subject matter in an engaging and understandable way to the general public is key for this role. This placement will allow you to develop your communication skills, both through written and other formats, by promoting our science to a wide range of audiences. You must be able to work well both individually and as part of a team and be interested in a wide range of scientific areas and how science impacts on society. You might be a science student wanting to switch into science communication or you might be a journalism student seeking to specialise in science. Your responsibilities will generally include: Researching and presenting our science through a range of written, verbal and visual channels Support website and social media content creation and development Developing case studies of staff and industrial work Working with scientists and engineers to help deliver events Supporting other communication team activities Photography, videography and graphic design of promotional material The above responsibilities will be conducted with the support and guidance of your manager. The placement will also include opportunities to develop your own communications projects, based around CLF science themes, and develop new skills which may be via guidance, training, and the attendance at conferences. 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) GCSE English or equivalent (S) Keen interest in science and science communication (S&I) Excellent writing, presentation and organisational skills (S&I) Demonstrate good team working capabilities (S&I) The willingness to learn new skills, both technical and non-technical (I) Open minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned to them (I) Desirable: A-levels or equivalent in Science and English (S) Experience in graphic design, social media or video/audio production (S&I) Experience in writing for publication (S&I) Experience in STEM outreach to a non-scientific audience (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!