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

Would you like to join a world record-setting team, working at the leading edge of laser science?


We are the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA), a research and development division of STFC's Central Laser Facility. CALTA pioneered DiPOLE,

a world-leading, high-energy laser amplifier technology

. Through DiPOLE technology, we have designed and built multiple record-breaking, kilowatt-class, high-energy, diode-pumped solid-state lasers operating at both 10 Hz and 100 Hz pulse rates.


We are now expanding on this core technology to tackle innovative scientific challenges. For example, we are currently developing and constructing a 10 Hz, 1 petawatt beamline at the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre. This system will support advanced research in areas such as

novel particle accelerator technologies and ultra-bright x-ray sources

. In addition, we are leading the development of a laser driver for nuclear fusion energy as part of the

UK government's inertial fusion research programme

.


Successful candidates will take an active role in our current projects. These research activities typically involve developing new optical setups, testing and integrating components into laser systems, and conducting energetics modelling. By directly engaging in the development, operation, and testing of high-energy lasers, we aim to provide candidates with a genuine experience of life as a laser scientist.

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

This industrial placement is with a small and diverse team. You will be working directly with CALTA scientists and CLF engineers, and will be involved in a variety of different activities such as:


Having ownership of key tasks within high-profile projects, under the guidance of a Technical Manager, where you will have direct influence over the outcomes; Taking an active role in experiments and supporting world-renowned scientists, learning new skills and experiences continuously; Analysing data and reporting your findings to the team, and other placement students, via written reports and presentations; Developing techniques to improve DiPOLE lasers for improved performance (higher energies and repetition rates) and exploring new applications, both on your own and as part of a team; Learning how to operate lasers, cryogenic systems, and high-vacuum systems in a clean room environment; Learning and developing computer modelling and system control skills, to support your own project as well as other ongoing research activities; Networking by attending local conferences and collaborating with other departments within CLF

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 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) Predicted grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher (S) Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about lasers and optics (S&I) Highly motivated (I) Good problem-solving skills (I) Works well both in a team and independently (S&I) Good time management skills (I) Effective communication skills (S&I) Responsible approach to health and safety (I)

Desirable:

Practical laboratory experience (S&I) Experience with coding for data analysis (S&I) Hands on experience with lasers and optical setups (S&I) Experience with computational modelling of physical systems and/or developing software to control systems (S&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!