Vacuum Processing Technician Apprentice Science and Technology Facilities Council Salary: £18,900 Hours : Full time - 37 Hours Contract Type: Fixed Term - 2 Years Location : Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, Warrington, WA4 4AD Closing date : 16th February 2025 The Vacuum Solutions Group at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) at Daresbury, Warrington, are looking to recruit an Apprentice Laboratory Technician to join us in September 2025. You will be part of the team processing components to a high vacuum specification for particle accelerators to enable world leading science. STFC has over 20 years' experience in providing apprenticeships and provides an excellent training ground to equip individuals with the relevant skills and experience within the science and engineering arena. The Apprentice Laboratory Technician will safely control, monitor and adjust equipment and processes in compliance with all departmental Standard Operating and Quality procedures including ISO9001:2015, from issue of Job Card to workflow processes. They report and investigate deviations from normal operating conditions and can deal with basic process upsets. The Vacuum Solutions Group within STFC's Accelerator Science and Technology Centre (ASTeC) is a small multidisciplinary team of specialists (18 staff) which undertakes particle accelerator research for current and future 'Big Science' facilities. We work on numerous high-profile projects with national and international partners, including CERN and the European Spallation Source. Our Centre was born out of decades of advanced particle accelerator research and development within the STFC national labs at Daresbury and Harwell, delivering internationally leading large-scale science facilities. About Astec Vacuum Solutions Group: The main function of the team is to deliver vacuum system design and build for particle accelerator projects and to carry out the necessary research & development associated with delivering world-class facilities. This includes supporting of component preparation for projects such as the Compact Linear Accelerator for Research and Applications (CLARA), the European Spallation Source (ESS), the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) upgrade and Fermilab's Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP II). Charged particle accelerators are at the heart of numerous frontier projects in science and technology, including large-scale international research facilities for particle and nuclear physics and major UK centres such as synchrotron sources for neutrons and photons. Alternative, but much smaller solutions, apply to medical and industrial applications. Technologies associated with all modern applications of charged particle beams continue to evolve and demand associated R&D programmes to be pursued. Staff from ASTeC have expertise in all aspects from design through construction to commissioning. In addition to specifically selected accelerator projects we are engaged in an ongoing programme of world-class research and development studies. This apprenticeship will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills alongside highly skilled technicians, engineers and scientists in an environment that truly makes an impact on the world. About an Apprenticeship With training and support from experts in their fields, you'll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role. If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn't enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won't find anywhere else. Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have - and those you have yet to discover We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You'll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements. STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For a list of our full benefits, please visit here. About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities Work under the guidance and support of a team of vacuum technicians, vacuum engineers and vacuum scientists Work safely and in line with established safety measures in the lab on a day-to-day basis Inspection of vacuum components Processing of vacuum components through a multistage system, including precision heat treatment, surface preparation through some large cleaning tanks and use of high-tech instrumentation such as total & partial pressure gauges. Building vacuum systems from components and using those systems to meet project vacuum requirements Operation of all cleaners, Ultrasound Degreaser, drying ovens, Solvent Recipe, Gas Analysers and follow fault reporting procedures Follow internal Standard Operating Procedures Perform calibration and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and other aspects of laboratory maintenance Through the training provider, Cogent Skills, you will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship which will include: Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician On-the-job competency training Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science with additional training in Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow, and Principles of Process Control and Fault Diagnosis You will be required to attend and complete the required training courses, which will also include a 4-day residential block for one of the BTEC units For more information on the apprenticeship standard please visit - https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/laboratory-technician-v1-2 Person Specification In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following: Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both. Essential : Achieved or predicted to achieve 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths, English (S) Interest in science, engineering and technology (S&I) Ability to demonstrate and convey some basic technical engineering knowledge and skill (S&I) Have basic health and safety awareness, training will be provided (I) Computer literate with experience of Word, Excel and Outlook (S) High attention to detail (I) Ability to work effectively as a team (I) Tenacity and ability to undertake additional training through the apprenticeship alongside a full-time role (I) Ability to follow processes including technical instructions in English (I) Ability to work using own initiative. (I) Desirable : An A level or equivalent level 3 qualification, preferably in maths, science or engineering (S) Highly organised with the ability to work independently (I) Critical thinking and problem-solving skills (I) Demonstrate practical ability (S&I) Important Information 1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades. 2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here. 3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out onapprenticerecruitmentukri.orgif you have any questions. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. 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 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: Feb 16, 2025 Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 18,900 Hours: Full-time