Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: 24,961 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12months

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025

Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026

Start Date:

September 2026

This industrial placement offers an exciting opportunity for a chemistry undergraduate to join the Deuteration Facility, a specialist team that supports cutting-edge research in neutron scattering. Deuteration is a powerful technique that replaces hydrogen atoms with deuterium to help scientists study the structure and behaviour of complex molecules--something that's not possible with conventional methods. While some deuterated compounds are commercially available, many of the materials needed by researchers are not, and that's where our team comes in.


During this placement, you'll be part of a friendly and collaborative group of chemists who are passionate about sharing knowledge and supporting each other. You'll receive hands-on training in synthetic chemistry techniques, work on real projects that contribute to active research programmes and be supported through mentoring and regular feedback. This is a great opportunity to apply your degree knowledge in a practical setting, develop new lab skills, and gain insight into how chemistry is used in a national research facility.

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. With an STFC Industrial Placement you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start.


We'll provide challenges that match your skills, and each placement is a unique opportunity to pursue your career interests. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers 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

With the world increasingly focused on clean energy solutions, battery storage technology has become a critical area of research. In line with the ISIS Science Strategy, this project supports the growing demand for deuterated compounds to enhance neutron scattering experiments on battery materials. Working closely with the Disordered Materials, Crystallography, and Molecular Spectroscopy groups, the student will contribute to the synthesis and purification of high-purity deuterated solvents, such as methyl ethyl carbonate, which are not readily available commercially.


This placement forms part of a long-term initiative to expand the Deuteration Facility's compound catalogue and improve the quality of materials available to the scientific community.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist in developing and optimising synthetic routes for deuterated solvents relevant to battery research. Support the design and execution of purification strategies to achieve high-purity products. Carry out laboratory work under supervision, including reaction setup, monitoring, and product isolation. Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to data analysis and reporting. Collaborate with team members and other science groups to align synthesis efforts with experimental needs. Participate in regular team meetings and receive mentoring and training in synthetic chemistry techniques.

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential:

Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree in a Chemistry and is on track for a 2:1 or higher 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) Synthetic Chemistry practical experience (S&I) Experience with standard purification techniques such as distillation, chromatography (S) Experience with analysing reaction outcome, eg NMR, LCMS, GCMS (S&I) Familiar with COSHH and risk assessments (S&I)

Desirable

:


Knowledge of good laboratory practise gained from previous laboratory experience (S) Experience with chemical databases, eg Scifinder, Reaxys, Web of Science (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!