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: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot,

OX11 0QX

Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025

Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026

Start Date: September 2026

Boulby Underground Laboratory is the UK's deep underground science facility located 1.1km below ground in Boulby mine, a working polyhalite and salt mine in the North East of England. Boulby is a special place for science, one of the few (<15) sites in the world dedicated to hosting deep underground science projects requiring an ultralow background radiation environment, or simply access to the scientifically interesting geology or subterranean surroundings. Science at Boulby ranges from low background astro-particle physics to studies of Earth and environmental science, life in extreme environments, astrobiology and planetary exploration technology development. One of the long-standing areas of study at Boulby has been, and still is, the search for Dark Matter, the missing mass in the Universe.


We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic student to work with the onsite Boulby team to continue to ensure excellent communication of Boulby science to schools, the general public and the wider science community. This person, supported by the team, will help prepare and deliver public engagement to schools and members of the general public, create videos and content for our social media channels, edit and improve the content of our web pages and create and manage miscellaneous other communication events and materials as needs and opportunities dictate.


This position is an exciting opportunity to work in one of the UK's most exciting science facilities, to play an important part in communicating an interesting and diverse science programme to a wide and varied audience and, as part of the onsite team, to assist in the general work and operation of the laboratory.

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 key responsibilities for this role are


To assist in the delivery of our public engagement packages To create videos for social media To create posters and infographics To assist in the updating of our current websites To assist the wider team in the operation of the laboratory and science projects

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) Strong written and verbal communication skills (S&I) Be confident in communicating a diverse science programme to the general public. (S&I) Ability to work within a team and utilise own initiative. (S&I) Be proficient in Microsoft Office software. (S&I) Be familiar with a broad range of social media platforms. (S&I) Maintain a safe working environment according to our SHE requirements. (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!