Environmental Sustainability & Engineering Internship

Environmental Sustainability & Engineering Internship

SPADE (Sustainability Principles and Advice for Design and Engineering) is a cross-departmental initiative that launched in March 2023 to provide easily accessible environmental sustainability tools and advice to all members of staff. Initially started by a small group of graduates, the project has grown and is now funded by STFC’s Environmental Sustainability team. The SPADE team consists of staff in a variety of roles, from a range of departments, across multiple STFC sites. The remit of SPADE now includes improving STFC’s processes to empower staff to work more sustainably, working with staff at all levels of the organisation to enact substantial change.

This summer placement will be embedded within the Environmental Sustainability team, giving them access to support and guidance from the team, however the role will be focused on supporting SPADE and the SPADE projects, which will involve communication and interaction across the organisation.

Engineers and technical staff are essential to the science that STFC undertakes, operating innovative science facilities, pioneering new technologies, and developing research and instrumentation across a wide range of fields, such as physics, computer science, and space. Making our engineering and technical functions sustainable is key to making our extraordinary science sustainable.

Summer Placements at STFC

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 will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will also be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To collaborate with the SPADE and Environmental Sustainability teams to support the development of improved sustainability practices.
• To create an inventory of technical equipment available across STFC’s engineering facilities and workshops, to enable materials and equipment to be shared between groups and departments.
• To collect information for and write case studies on technical projects which have incorporated environmental sustainability considerations into their designs.
• To engage with and support STFC environmental sustainability working groups and initiatives.

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I). In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded (S)
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
• Presents and communicates information clearly, both written and verbally (S&I)
• Can demonstrate good team working capabilities (S&I)
• Interest and enthusiasm for engineering and or science (S&I)
• Good time management and organisation skills with an ability to meet deadlines (S&I)
• Ability to work independently when required (S&I)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 or similar (S)

Desirable:

• Interest and enthusiasm for environmental sustainability (S&I)
• Familiarity with engineering hardware and equipment (S&I)
• Willingness to undertake short international visits for project meetings (S)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a fixed term position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday pro rata
• Flexible working hours
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

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. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. 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.

Application Process

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.

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.