STEM Public Engagement Industrial Placement

STEM Public Engagement Industrial Placement

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world-leading research centre that generates beams of neutrons and muons to study materials down to the atomic level. We study areas as diverse as clean energy, medicine, engineering, archaeology, the natural world and many others. As a world-leading research facility, we have a key role to play in engaging with the public and inspiring young people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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

We seek a public engagement student to promote ISIS science and engineering to a range of audiences, including school students and the general public. You will join a small team that plays a major role in science communication and engagement at ISIS and STFC, promoting science and engineering through a range of channels.

You will have a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). You will enjoy using and developing your presentation, organisational and creative skills to promote our science and engineering, as well as STEM subjects and careers, to a wide range of audiences through articles, education activities and events, including science fairs and festivals. Some activities may be virtual. You will have the opportunity to design and lead your own projects, alongside opportunities for training and development, including attending conferences and workshops.

The role would suit someone studying for a science or engineering degree, interested in science communication and engagement, keen to inspire and engage with young people and the public. The candidate must be able to work well both individually and as part of a team. They must be interested in a wide range of scientific areas and have a strong interest in communicating STEM to diverse audiences, including those that are hard-to-reach or under-represented in STEM fields.

Responsibilities

• Researching and presenting our science and engineering through a range of channels, including events, activities, workshops and articles, to a range of audiences.
• Developing new resources for staff and our scientific users to take to festivals, fairs and schools, and for remote and online delivery.
• Working with scientists and engineers to help deliver public engagement events.
• Supporting other ISIS communication and engagement activities.

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)
• Enrolled on an undergraduate degree course in Science, Engineering or Mathematics (S)
• Keen interest in science communication (S&I)
• Keen interest in schools and public engagement (S&I)
• Excellent presentation skills (I)
• Excellent communication skills (S&I)
• Good organisational skills (S&I)
• Demonstrate good team working capabilities (S&I)

Desirable:

• Demonstrated contribution to public or schools engagement with STEM (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.