We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student interested in using fluorescence microscopy to solve biological questions and helping implement imaging workflows for super resolution microscopy. The Octopus team at the Central Laser Facility specialises in advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques and gives support to researchers across the UK and Europe. We are an interdisciplinary group, thus, the candidate will have the opportunity to experience different approaches to problem solving and a diverse work environment.
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.
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 post holder will have the opportunity to get acquainted with some of the microscopy techniques offered by Octopus, as well as with the everyday user-support. In addition, the post holder will focus on STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) microscopy, FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy), sample preparation and image analysis. This will include practical aspects such as cell culture, immunolabelling techniques, operating microscopes, performing quality control of the microscopes, and image processing and analysis. The role will include a research project which will involve imaging of biological samples, multiplexing of super resolution microscopy and live cell dynamics. The aim of the research project is to characterise the spatiotemporal dynamics of signalling proteins across different scales. This will provide novel real-time information of diverse proteins within a single cellular structure and allow us to learn more about the localisation, behaviour and function of these proteins in the cell. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate an interest in cell biology, imaging and microscopy.
Person Specification
In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:
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)
* The candidate must be taking a relevant Life Sciences degree (S).
* Good record keeping is essential since the post holder will need to keep a comprehensive laboratory notebook and keep track of some user experiments (S&I).
* Good time/workload management skills (S&I).
* Good communication and interpersonal skills. Octopus is a big multidisciplinary group and we regularly interact with academic users, industry users and stakeholders (S&I).
* Self-motivation and a creative/flexible approach to overcoming challenges (S&I).
* Although previous experience in cell culture and other biological techniques is not essential, the candidate should have good sample handling skills and a neat/tidy approach to practical work (S&I).
* An interest in fluorescence microscopy applied to life sciences (I).
Desirable:
* An interest in photo physics/biophysics (S&I).
* An interest in research standards and quality control (S&I).
* An interest in multidisciplinary science (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.
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
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 .
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 applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. 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.
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.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people - and more broadly to the world.
One of Europe's largest research organisations, we're trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we're driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/