Polarized Neutrons Industrial Placement

Polarized Neutrons Industrial Placement

A neutron beam is called polarized when the spins of the neutrons are dominantly aligned in the same direction. In the scattering from condensed matter objects, such beams can be used to improve the information gained from experiments. For example, the use of polarized neutrons enables to separation the different scattering processes that contribute to the overall signal. ISIS Polarized neutrons section (POLNS) is a small team based on the collaboration between Sample Environment (SE) group and the Neutron & Muon Instrument Development group (NMIDG).

It is responsible for the development of new polarized neutron instrumentation and software, as well as the provision of polarized infrastructure for several instruments. Currently, we are looking for an independent and motivated placement student to strengthen our crew.

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 main task of the project is further development of the software we use to control the experimental equipment for polarized neutrons experiments, such as NMR setup for measuring the relaxation time of 3He spin filters, magnetostatic cavities (“Magic box”), Mezei-type neutron polarization flipper, 3-axis Newport robot arm combined with 3-axis Hall magnetic probe.

Along with good programming skills, this job will require the ability to understand the purpose and operation principles of the equipment we use, as well as to test the software performance in the real experimental setups.

In addition to the above, depending on your interests and skills, you will also have the opportunity to take part in other Polarized Neutrons section activities. In particular, this may include the design and/or commissioning of the new pieces of equipment for polarized neutron experiments and experimental support on neutron instruments. Full scientific and technical support will be provided.

You will also be able to present the results of your work in the scientific meeting and/or seminars, for example, at the UK Neutron & Muon Science and User Meeting (NMSUM). The work of our previous placement student, presented at NMSUM-2024, won a student poster prize.

Given the variety of activities the Polarized Neutrons section is involved in, the working environment is dynamic and sometimes fast-paced. This makes for a team culture where creativity, independence, and a sense of adventure are valued. At the same time, you will be working in a small, friendly, and tight-knit group where you will be valued as a full member of the team.

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)
• Studying for a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or similar (S)
• Evidence of good knowledge of programming with Python (S&I)
• Good written and oral communication skills (S&I)
• Willingness to learn required technical and non-technical skills (I)
• Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative (S&I)

Desirable:

• Basic awareness of the project context and of physical principles underlying project (S&I)
• Knowledge of other programming languages (S&I)
• Good laboratory skills (S&I)
• Evidence of ability to work independently, via e.g. a summer internship (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.

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.

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.

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.