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 STFC’s Particle Physics Department contributes to the design, construction, and operation of small and large-scale detectors to answer fundamental questions in physics: collaborating on experiments around the world, including the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, dark matter detectors in the USA and Italy, and neutrino detectors in the USA and Japan. Our physicists also analyse the data from these facilities and support researchers at various UK universities. We are looking for a student to play an exciting role in sharing and promoting PPD science to a range of audiences, developing your communication skills through many different formats 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 matters in an engaging and accessible way to the general public is key for this role. 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. 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 position will be based in the Particle Physics Department. Your main responsibilities will include: Researching and presenting our science through a range of written, verbal and visual channels. Creating and developing content for PPD’s science-facing website, and social media. Developing case studies of staff and industrial work. Working with scientists to help support other team activities, including visits and events. Photography, videography and graphic design of promotional material. Producing PPD’s internal newsletter and developing/maintaining the intranet. The above responsibilities will be conducted with the support and guidance of your manager. The placement will also include opportunities to drive your own communications projects and develop new skills via guidance, training, and the attendance of 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) Keen interest in science and science communication (S&I) Excellent writing and presentation skills (S&I) Demonstrate good team-working and communication capabilities (S&I) The willingness to learn new skills, both technical and non-technical (I) Excellent time management skills, highly organised and proactive (I) Desirable: 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!