Science and Technology Facilities Council
Public Engagement Industrial Placement
Salary: £24,961 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 10th April 2025
Interview date: April/May 2025 (travel and accommodation will be reimbursed)
Start date: September 2025

ABOUT US:

The NQCC is the UK’s national centre for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating its development by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. Our vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing. The centre is working with businesses, government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry.
The NQCC’s programme represents a £93m investment and is being delivered jointly by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, as part of UK Research and Innovation. The centre will be headquartered in a purpose-built facility, due for completion in 2023, within STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory site at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire.

ABOUT THE ROLE AND A SUMMARY OF KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

We seek a public engagement student to promote NQCC science and engineering and the topic of quantum computing to a range of audiences, including school students and the general public. You will join a group that plays a major role in communications and engagement at the NQCC, promoting science and engineering through a range of channels.
You will have a have a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). You will enjoy using and developing your presentation, organisational and creative skills to promote our science and engineering, and STEM subjects and careers, to a wide range of audiences through articles, education activities and events, including science fairs and festivals. Some events may be virtual.
The role would suit someone studying for a science or engineering degree, interested in science communication and keen to encourage and engage with young people and the public. The candidate will be able to work well both individually and as part of a team and be interested in scientific areas and communicating that science to diverse audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Researching and communicating our science and engineering through channels including events, activities, workshops and articles, to a range of audiences.
• Developing new, creative resources for scientists/engineers to take to festivals, fairs and schools, and for remote and online delivery
• Working with the NQCC outreach, education and skills team to help deliver public engagement events
• Supporting other NQCC outreach and public engagement and communications activities such as developing creative technical content for social media channels and the NQCC website