Neutrino Interactions and Oscillations Internship

Neutrino Interactions and Oscillations Internship

The Particle Physics Department (PPD) in STFC, is one of the largest Particle Physics groups in the UK. We work with people across the world to understand and discover the fundamental building blocks of the Universe. We design, construct and operate some of the most sensitive scientific instruments in the world, collaborating with partners in academia, industry and international laboratories such as CERN. We currently work with the ATLAS, CMS, LHCb, DUNE, Hyper-K, T2K, MICE, Lux-Zeplin, DEAP-3600, CERN DRDs, Electron Ion Collider and AION collaborations.

Many particle physicists spend their time building and running statistical analyses to ‘get the new physics out’ of their colossal datasets. Both the development and execution of analysis, and the excitement of making new measurements of the smallest building blocks of our reality are key motivations for scientists working in the field. However, communicating the exciting details of this process to the wider public effectively is difficult because those details are realised through sophisticated statistical techniques and computer code, that are not widely accessible to non-experts.

We’re excited to offer a placement student the change to work on a project to develop an interactive exhibit that will allow members of the public to engage with a simulated particle physics analysis and take away some of the broadly applicable techniques that we make use of every day: modelling, statistical inference, and the updating of knowledge.

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

• Development of an interactive exhibit demonstrating key features of particle physics analysis in an engaging and visual way:
• A proof-of-concept exists: Tactile controls are read by a microcontroller and sent to a computer which uses them as inputs to perform a mock neutrino oscillation analysis, the results of which are displayed live on the monitor. By varying the controls, a user can modify a prediction to better match some observed data; simulating measurements that will be made by the DUNE neutrino experiment in the 2030s.
• The successful applicant will lead the development of this proof-of-concept into an exhibit that will be used at outreach events to communicate the excitement of particle physics analysis to the interested public.
• The project will provide opportunities to work across many subject areas: microcontroller project development (C or micropython), electronics prototyping, physics simulation and statistical analysis code development, front end web development, and good science communication.
• The successful applicant will be able to either focus on one or two of these subject areas more closely or gain broader experience by contributing to all parts of the project.

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)
• Demonstrates willingness and ability to work both independently and as part of a team (S&I)
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, innovative, logical approach to problem solving, organised, reliable and collaborative (I)
• Able to communicate to both a technical and non-technical audience (S&I)
• An interest in computer programming (S&I)
• An interest in building interactive projects (I)
• Evidence of practical experience through university labs (S&I)

Desirable:

• An interest in science communication and outreach (S&I)
• Experience with (micro)python (S)
• Experience with Javascript and front-end web development (S)

Employee Benefits

• 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.

Employee Benefits

• 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.