Soft Matter Scientist Industrial Placement

at  Science and Technology Facilities Council STFC

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES COUNCIL

Salary: £23,328 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 20th October 2024
Interview date: December 2024/January 2025 (Virtual)
Start date: September 2025

As a sandwich student in the SANS group, you will gain valuable experience working alongside scientists in a research-driven role. You will be able to perform research at a world-leading facility and gain insight into how these advance instruments are used and their operation. We will guide you in your placement, supporting you in practical work, data analysis methods, and presentation skills – both verbal and written.

In this role, you will be expected to:

• Carry out practical lab work and various characterisation experiments
• Learn how to use a SANS instrument to perform the structural characterisation of samples
• Learn about small-angle scattering techniques and analysis methods relevant to the project
• Present work through oral/poster presentations, and written publications/reports

To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Key - Shortlisting (S), at 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 2025 (S)
• Good verbal and written communication skills (S&I)
• Able to work both independently and within a team environment (I)
• Enthusiasm for learning new scientific principles and new experimental techniques (I)
• Effective problem-solving skills (S&I)
• Willingness to perform or learn how to perform practical experiments (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.