Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: 24,961 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

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

Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025

Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026

Start Date: September 2026

The Target Fabrication Group in the Central Laser Facility are responsible for providing micro-sized complex objects for use in high-power laser experiments. These objects are placed at the focal point of high-intensity laser interactions and are made from novel materials. Target requirements are dependent on experimental requirements and vary broadly from one experimental campaign to the next. The experimental topics span plasma physics and particle acceleration, laboratory astrophysics, and industrial applications opportunities.


In order to create extreme environments, the laser is focused to an interaction point comparable to the width In order to create the extreme environments, the laser is focused to an interaction point comparable to the width of a human hair, the targets that are required have features of the same magnitude. On this scale manufacture and quality control is extremely challenging. Target Fabrication requires a wide range of physical and chemical processes, together with advanced characterisation techniques to deliver targets that meet the experiment's requirements.

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 facility has a key deliverable of supporting high-repetition rate laser experiments which will require delivering thousands of batch-produced targets to experiments on the new EPAC laser facility as well and providing development and support the UK plasma physics community.


The student will be developing the capability to provide these targets through the ongoing development of the automated target assembly robot. This uses pick-and-place and glue-dispensing robots as well as automated palletisation of targets. In addition, the student will support the development of other high repetition rate delivery methods such as liquid targets, and tape-driven target developments using additive manufacturing and CAD.


The student will also support the general operational delivery of targets to experiments on the Gemini laser enabling them to engage with the experimental program.

Key areas that will be addressed will include:

Demonstrate rapid manufacture of targets using automated assembly Program control systems responsible for the pick and place of a variety of objects Improve the yield of automated target manufacture by implementing engineering solutions and testing outcomes Further develop the existing computer vision capabilities Complete project documentation by tracking progress against milestones Run 3D printing technology for the benefit of the wider group Use CAD skills to assist the wider group with 3D design

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 (S) Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S) Able to commence employment in summer 2026 (S) Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S) Subject of degree to be Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or closely related (S) Good knowledge on the basics of physics, A-level Physics (or equivalent) minimum (S&I) Knowledge of robotics system or automation and an appreciation for how they work (university project or individual interest) (S&I) Working experience with 3D CAD design software (S) Familiarity with PLC Ladder logic and computer vison capabilities (I) The ability to work individually on a project, plan effectively and write reports (S)

Desirable:

Some relevant programming experience with control systems for robotics (S&I) and Python Experience using a 3D printer (S) Have used Fusion / SolidWorks or Solid Edge(S) Proven examples of working in a team to complete a technical or scientific project (S) Has presented project work to their academic supervisors or peers (S&I) Basic knowledge of the type of experiment that could take place with a high-power laser (I) Can identify hazards and work safely in a challenging environment (I) Appreciation of how different materials are suited to different pick and place applications in an engineering context (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!