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Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Software Developer Summer Internship (for ATLAS) - Harwell

About 4.4/5
Deadline: 8th March 2026
Salary: £23,493
Job Type:
Internship (1 Month+)
Job Roles:
Software Engineering
Science
Locations:
Harwell, Didcot

Job Description

Software Developer Summer Internship (for ATLAS) - Harwell

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.

At CERN, the ATLAS Detector will be upgraded. The biggest upgrade will be the construction of a new tracking detector called the Inner Tracker (ITk). At RAL, the PPD ATLAS group will build one part of the ITk – the so-called ‘Outer End-Cap' structures. These are carbon fibre support structures loaded with Silicon pixel sensors and electronics. To guarantee the success of the project, it is essential to test the Silicon sensors and electronics when they arrive at RAL.

We are excited to offer a placement student the opportunity to contribute to the project which is focused on the implementation of a graphical user interface (GUI) to control and monitor Silicon sensor and electronics testing during production

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

  • Develop a GUI for Linux machines.
  • Call the existing test routines from the GUI.
  • Implementation of the quality control procedures already put in place into the GUI.
  • Implementation of the serial communication with power supply units into the GUI.
  • Ensure that the GUI is user-friendly for users with wide background such as technicians, physicist, engineers, etc
  • Test Silicon sensors and electronics using the developed tool.
  • Help us build the ITk for the ATLAS Detector at CERN.

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)
  • Studying an undergraduate degree in Engineering or Physics (S).
  • Knowledge on any programming language such as python (S&I).
  • Basic knowledge on electronics and silicon detectors (S&I).
  • Shown interest in Research Facilities (I).
  • Good communication skills (I)
  • Collaborative (S&I)

Desirable:

  • Good at documentation writing (I).
  • Basic Knowledge on Linux based Operative Systems (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!

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.


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