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) at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is home to a vibrant and collaborative research environment where more than 100 scientists and engineers work together using some of the world’s most advanced laser technologies. We encourage students and researchers from the UK and around the world to come and use our facilities to explore exciting scientific questions. One of CLF’s key facilities is Artemis, which focuses on ultrafast laser and XUV (extreme ultraviolet) science. Artemis uses powerful, tunable lasers to build incredibly short bursts of XUV light, which we send through vacuum beamlines to different experiment stations. This lets us study everything from how molecules change during chemical reactions to how solid-state crystalline materials transform at the atomic level. Our experiments strive to capture processes that happen on incredibly fast timescales—fractions of a trillionth of a second! This means we can see how electrons move and how materials change in real time. We’re also passionate about some new projects coming soon. One is XUV Transient Absorption Spectroscopy (XTAS), which will help us watch electronic and structural changes with great detail and speed. Another is the development of an EUV ptychography beamline, a cutting-edge imaging technique that allows us to create detailed nanoscale pictures of tiny structures, including thin films and even biological samples—without using lenses! If you’re curious about ultrafast science and want to be part of groundbreaking research, Artemis offers a fantastic environment to learn, explore, and make real discoveries. 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 excited to offer a placement opportunity within the Artemis Group, where you’ll work alongside experienced staff and visiting scientists, focusing on ultrafast science using extreme ultraviolet laser pulses. You’ll be trained to operate cutting-edge ultrafast lasers, handle various optics, work with large vacuum systems, and use advanced tools for instrument control and data analysis. As part of the team, you’ll support visiting researchers and students from the UK and around the world by helping set up experiments and troubleshooting any challenges that come up. You’ll also have your own projects to work on, both independently and with the team, contributing directly to the ongoing development of the facility. This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment and be part of exciting scientific work. 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) First two years of degree course in physics, chemistry or a closely related subject, with grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher (S) GCSE English or equivalent (S) Experimental physics, chemistry, or closely related laboratory course (S) Ability to utilize scientific concepts in practical problem-solving scenarios. (I) Understanding relevant fundamental principles from their university course (I) Highly motivated (I) Able to work independently and as part of a team (I) Effective written and verbal communication skills (I) Responsible approach to health and safety (I) Desirable: A-levels in one or more of the following. Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths (S) Computer programming and/or data analysis skills (S) Experience working in a research or laboratory environment (S) 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!