Octopus Industrial Placement

Octopus Industrial Placement

We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student interested in using fluorescence microscopy to solve biological questions and helping implement imaging workflows for super resolution microscopy. The Octopus team at the Central Laser Facility specialises in advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques and gives support to researchers across the UK and Europe. We are an interdisciplinary group, thus, the candidate will have the opportunity to experience different approaches to problem solving and a diverse work environment.

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 post holder will have the opportunity to get acquainted with some of the microscopy techniques offered by Octopus, as well as with the everyday user-support. In addition, the post holder will focus on STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) microscopy, FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy), sample preparation and image analysis. This will include practical aspects such as cell culture, immunolabelling techniques, operating microscopes, performing quality control of the microscopes, and image processing and analysis.

The role will include a research project which will involve imaging of biological samples, multiplexing of super resolution microscopy and live cell dynamics. The aim of the research project is to characterise the spatiotemporal dynamics of signalling proteins across different scales. This will provide novel real-time information of diverse proteins within a single cellular structure and allow us to learn more about the localisation, behaviour and function of these proteins in the cell. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate an interest in cell biology, imaging and microscopy.

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)
• The candidate must be taking a relevant Life Sciences degree (S).
• Good record keeping is essential since the post holder will need to keep a comprehensive laboratory notebook and keep track of some user experiments (S&I).
• Good time/workload management skills (S&I).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Octopus is a big multidisciplinary group and we regularly interact with academic users, industry users and stakeholders (S&I).
• Self-motivation and a creative/flexible approach to overcoming challenges (S&I).
• Although previous experience in cell culture and other biological techniques is not essential, the candidate should have good sample handling skills and a neat/tidy approach to practical work (S&I).
• An interest in fluorescence microscopy applied to life sciences (I).

Desirable:

• An interest in photo physics/biophysics (S&I).
• An interest in research standards and quality control (S&I).
• An interest in multidisciplinary science (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!

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

About the Team

The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.