Science and Technology Facilities Council Salary: £22,096 Hours: Full time Contract Type: Fixed Term Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire The Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) and Boulby Underground Laboratory, of Science and Technology Facilities Council (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. About 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. STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including flexible working hours, health promotion programmes, and subsidised restaurant and coffee outlets. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here. Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities: The Particle Physics Department (PPD) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) of Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is one of the largest Particle Physics groups in the UK 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. 3800, CERN RD50, Electron lon Collider and AION collaborations. The Dark Matter group at RAL is involved in the construction and exploitation of the LUX-ZEPLIN double phase LXe detector at Homestake in the US. We are also involved in the R&D programme for the future G3 Liquid Xenon Dark Matter project. One of the R&D elements is to simulate and measure the so called Migdal Effect which detection will significantly improve the detector sensitivity to low mass WIMP searches. The success of the future experiment depends on a careful understanding of this effect.This placement will focus on the modelling of the MIGDAL's Time Projection Chamber and in particular various geometries of its stack of the Gas Electron Multipliers. The work will involve end-to-end simulations creating images of highly ionising nuclear recoils and their induced signals on the charge collecting electrodes. Other tasks will include: Perform simulations as instructed. Attend scheduled meetings. Report findings to the research team and to collaborators. Document research findings in a clear and accessible manner. We plan for this placement to be based on site, but with hybrid working patterns also considered. To apply for this placement, you will need to meet the Essential criteria: Are in full time education at university and returning to university/studies following the placement. Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports and evaluate. Able to work individually and as part of a team. Knowledge of Linux operating system. Knowledge of a high-level programming language, such as Python and C/C++. Desirable: Basic knowledge of particle interactions with matter and radiation detectors. 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. About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel. We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating. For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 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. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. 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. 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 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, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. 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. Additional Information Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract External Closing Date: Mar 9, 2025 Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 22,096 Hours: Full-time