Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £23,328 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 20th October 2024
Interview date: December 2024/January 2025 (Virtual)
Start date: September 2025
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.
The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire and is used for world-leading research in material and biological sciences. Large quantities of diagnostic and control data is generated during the operation of the ion-source, linear accelerator, and synchrotron.
The Accelerator Controls team is responsible for the collection and dissemination of all data related to the control and status of the accelerator. We use this data to support the crew in the ISIS main control room (MCR), who use the software we develop to monitor and control the ISIS particle accelerators.
Brief overview of the scheme
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 be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here.
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
The Controls Team at ISIS supports the operators in our main control room in monitoring and controlling the ISIS accelerators. We also provide similar support to the engineers who build and maintain the hardware that allows ISIS to operate.
We are currently moving from our old control system to a new open-source control system called EPICS which is used at many other particle accelerator facilities around the world. In the EPICS control system each item to be monitored and controlled (from the voltage of a steering magnet to whether a coolant water valve should be open or closed) has to have a unique identifier known as a PV. These PVs may then be used to create control user interfaces or screens in software called Phoebus. The current control system has over 800 screens so there is lots of work ahead in converting them to new Phoebus screens.
We have two connected web development projects for an industrial placement student to undertake to based on this.
The naming of the PVs needs to follow rigid rules. Names must be unique so that the wrong device is not controlled. But names must follow the rules so that the correct measurement or control may be quickly and accurately identified. Web based tools are used at other accelerators to guide engineers when naming their PVs and your task would be to prototype and deploy such a web-based tool here.
One of our team has developed a prototype system to automatically create control screens from a list of PVs. This allows our engineers to rapidly test and commission new equipment. This web-based tool could be improved further to generate more sophisticated screens. Additionally, based on the PV rules above, it could be possible to automatically generate more advanced screens to monitor whole areas of the accelerators at once. You would work to expand our existing prototype to implement these capabilities.
To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:
Key - Shortlisting (S), at interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential:
- Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S)
- Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
- Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
- Able to commence employment in summer 2025 (S)
- A software development or computing discipline (S)
- Good communication and interpersonal skills (I)
- Experience programming in an object-oriented language such as JavaScript (S&I)
- Ability to work with other developers in a team (I)
- Ability to adapt based on feedback from other developers and users (I)
Desirable:
- Evidence of interest in web technologies and development frameworks, e.g. React (S&I)
- Experience with version control, e.g. git, and software development best practice (I)
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 ofapplications 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.
