Experimental Physicist Internship

Experimental Physicist Internship

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source produces beams of neutrons and muons that allow scientists to study materials at the atomic level using a range of instruments all suited for different setups and scientific needs. Neutron and muon experiments are non-destructive and are used to probe a range of atomic level effects and phenomena, such as stress and strains in mechanical parts, battery discharging states, or complex biological structures.

The cryogenics team provide sample environments down to 20 mK and magnetic fields up to 13 T. Low temperatures allows scientists to capture sharp, noise-reduced data due to dampened thermal atomic vibrations. Low temperatures and applied magnetic fields may also be useful in studying phase transitions and long-range magnetic ordering. A summer placement in the cryogenics team would allow a student to learn about our equipment from experts in mechanical engineering, physics and machining, tailoring the learning to the student if required.

The cryogenics team are developing their high magnetic field capabilities for neutron scattering experiments. The project will develop and optimise a dysprosium “booster” insert that is used inside superconducting magnets to locally enhance the magnetic field at the sample position beyond the intrinsic magnet limit. This will involve building and testing a dysprosium booster insert, then analysing the data produced to better understand how the structure and properties of the dysprosium affect its performance. Design iterations will be made to optimise the peak field boost from the dysprosium.

The project will provide hands-on experience with cryogenic engineering, experimental data analysis, and the physics of magnetism at cryogenic temperatures, all within the context of neutron scattering.

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

• Join the cryogenics team for 6 – 12 weeks.
• Develop their understanding of cryogenic engineering and magnetism
• Develop the functionality of a dysprosium magnet booster
• Analyse data and draw logical conclusions to improve future designs

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)
• Able to commence full time, on site, employment during the summer 2026 (S)
• Ability to work in a radiation controlled area (S)
• Good communication, team working, and time/task management skills (S&I)
• The ability to apply logic to learn hands-on and theoretical skills; and solve both technical and non-technical problems. (S&I)
• Familiarity with making experimental measurements individually or in a small group, analysing data and establishing next steps. (S&I)
• Demonstrable understanding of applied physics concepts, for example in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics or cryogenic engineering (S&I)

Desirable:

• Experience with electronic experimental data collection using, for example, oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters and lock-in amplifiers. (S&I)
• Use of a scientific programming language (e.g. Python/MatLab/Labview) for data collection or analysis. (S&I)

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!

About Us

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

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.