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

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source produces radiation as a by-product of its operational activities; prompt radiation from high-energy proton, neutron and muon beams, and the radiation and radioactive contamination coming from the activation of various solid materials, liquids and gases (airborne).


The Health Physics & Facility Safety (HPFS) Group supports ISIS operations by providing Health Physics monitoring, radioactive waste disposal, personal and environmental dosimetry, Health & Safety training and documentation guidance. This support covers daily operations, maintenance, accelerator or instrument breakdowns, and responses to on- and off-site incidents. The HPFS Group (part of ISIS Instrumentation Division) is formed into three sections covering the mentioned support tasks: Health Physics, Radioactive Waste and Facility Safety (Dosimetry Office).


This is a unique opportunity for graduates interested in radiation protection in all its forms and all its applications to develop their skills and experience at the cutting edge of scientific endeavour - variety and challenge - are the keywords for this position applying your strong numerate background in physics or physical sciences.


Enjoy collaborating with colleagues? Here you will work with and advise leading scientists and engineers on the design of new or upgrades to existing scientific facilities, undertake shielding calculations, advise on ways of working to minimise radiation dose, advise on how radioactive wastes can be disposed of safely, be an expert in the application of regulatory controls and engage with regulatory authorities.

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

Our graduates will support the corporate and ISIS teams that work on Radiation Protection, Health Physics and the management of Radioactive Waste in areas including:


Calculating and modelling radiation source terms for scientific experiments/facilities; Monitoring personal doses and minimising risk by the application of ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principles to radiation work Interpretation and application of radiological protection data Provision of a Health Physics service to personnel working in radiation environments Shielding and dose calculations/modelling Ensuring that BAT (Best Available Techniques) principles relating to radioactive waste are applied to all areas of operations and new projects Managing the safe storage and effective disposal of radioactive wastes Managing safe transport of radioactive materials, on and off-site
There will be the chance to complete placements and training to understand each of these areas with the possibility to specialise later.


Becoming familiar and able to demonstrate a real understanding of the relevant legislation and associated guidance, including IRR17, EPR10 and CDG will be encouraged.

Responsibilities

You will also be encouraged to:


Communicate and work with fellow radiation protection and radioactive waste staff, customers, scientists, engineers, and management Undertake calculations and radiological assessments Write documents including Safety Instructions, Risk Assessments, Operating Instructions Make effective use of IT, databases and modelling packages Take an active role in both technical and non-technical meetings Take part in the wider department and STFC graduate training programme
Once settled in, support will be provided to:


Spearhead work packages and projects through to completion Help colleagues with less experience get up to speed Supervise/mentor junior colleagues.
Training is provided as necessary. In addition to a full induction and "on the job" training, you will have the opportunity to attend conferences, attend specialist training, undertake various soft skills training and participate our organisation-wide Early Careers conference, where you can network with other graduates and colleagues at the start of their career.

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) Demonstrate good communication skills, able to influence people at all levels (S&I) Good organisational skills and ability to take initiative (S&I) The willingness to learn new skills, both technical and non-technical (I) Creative and proactive demeanour to problem solving with an analytical and logical approach (S&I) Demonstrate good team working capabilities, and ability to work independently (S&I) Open-minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned to them (I)

Desirable:

Work in a controlled radiation area and with ionising radiation, and wear and use PPE and RPE (if required) (S&I) Undertake occasional travel within the UK and overseas (I) Carry out manual handling activities (S&I) Full driving license - this is required for training purposes on how to drive a forklift truck on public roads. Please feel free to email stfcgraduates@ukri.org if you have any questions (S)

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!