Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: 33,472 per annum + 1,000 welcome bonus

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Closing date: 19th October 2025

Assessment Centre: December 2025 / January 2026

Start date: September 2026

In 2023, the Central Laser Facility (CLF) was awarded a landmark project to construct the Vulcan 20-20, set to become the world's most powerful laser, capable of delivering 20 petawatts of power and 20 kJs! This ambitious initiative places the CLF at the forefront of global high-energy laser technology and represents a unique opportunity to be included in an outstanding scientific and engineering achievement.


The CLF is one of the world's leading laser centres, providing scientists - primarily from the UK and continental Europe - with access to a broad spectrum of pioneering laser technology. With approximately 180 staff, the CLF functions as a user facility with a strong international research focus.


Are you looking for a welcoming environment? We are known for our welcoming and inclusive culture, where colleagues demonstrate an encouraging and hardworking approach to sharing knowledge.


Our host organisation is the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It operates across multiple UK sites, including the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), and engages with a global scientific community. RAL itself is home to around 1,200 staff and supports more than 10,000 scientists and engineers across sectors including energy, security, materials, healthcare, life sciences, and the environment.

Graduate Scheme

The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development.


Our dedicated Graduate Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

We are seeking a hardworking and dedicated Laser scientist or Laser Engineer to join the team and the groundbreaking Vulcan 20-20 project. This role offers a rare opportunity to work at the groundbreaking high-power laser technology, playing a crucial part in the development of this powerful laser system. The successful candidate will be involved in the design, simulation, and construction of sophisticated optical systems some of the most advanced lasers in the world!


Key Responsibilities include:


Design, simulation, and optimisation of high-intensity and high-energy laser systems. Support the construction and integration of optical and mechanical components for the CPA system. Conduct experimental work including prototype testing, diagnostics, and performance evaluation. Develop control software and interfaces for laser system operation and automation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support with the technical documentation and reporting. Present project outcomes at scientific conferences and chip in to peer-reviewed publications.

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:


Essential:


Achieved, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree, in a relevant field of study (S) Have the right to live and work in the UK at time of starting employment (S) Knowledge of optics (S&I) Knowledge of lasers (S&I) Knowledge of maths (S&I) Knowledge of physics (S&I) Programming skills (S&I) Ability to work as part of a team, with the communication skills to develop collaborations and working relationships (I) Responsible approach to health and safety (I) Ability to solve problems and adapt to different situations (I)
Desirable:


Previous experience with Lasers (S&I) Experience with optics (S&I) Laboratory experience (I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:


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!