Detector Scientist / Engineer Summer Placement - Detector Development Group

Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £23,493 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 weeks
Hours: Full-time
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Closing date: 8th March 2026
Interview: Onsite in April 2026
Start date: June/July 2026

This summer, we're excited to offer the chance for a placement student to come and join the Detector Development Group in STFC's Technology Department!

The group consists of world leading scientists and engineers delivering groundbreaking instrumentation to some of the world's largest science facilities. One of the groups key achievements has been the development of the High Energy X-ray Imaging Technology (HEXITEC: ) which is in use across the world from materials science applications at large facilities to delivering a new generation of medical imaging technology ().

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.

You will contribute to the testing and characterization of cadmium zinc telluride X-ray detectors using HEXITEC with a focus on the phenomenon of charge sharing between pixels. You will analyse data from the detector, develop corrections and report your findings to your team. Your key responsibilities include:

• Conducting laboratory experiments using the HEXITEC camera system and X-ray sources to evaluate detector performance
• Analysing numerical data and developing corrections for charge sharing
• Presenting results via written reports and informal team presentations
• Developing technical knowledge through job-shadowing and training in detector testing and evaluation

We are seeking a motivated scientist or engineer with an interest in:

• Hands on work with detectors and electronics
• Data processing and analysis (matlab, python)
• Radiation and its applications

While some prior experience in these areas is beneficial, full training and mentoring will be provided to ensure you gain confidence and expertise. You will also receive safety training to work in laboratory environments with ionizing radiation.

• Hands-on experience with pioneering sensor technologies
• Opportunity to co-author a peer-reviewed publication
• Work alongside leading scientists and engineers in a research environment
• Gain exposure to real-world applications of camera systems for use at large science facilities like the Diamond Light Source Synchrotron

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:

• 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)
• Strong academic background, with or forecasted First or 2:1 in a Physics or Electronics-based degree (S)
• Basic knowledge of detectors, radiation interactions with matter, and electronics (S&I)
• Good practical skills, including hands-on lab experience (S&I)
• Systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving (S&I)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (S&I)
• Ability to work independently and within a team (S&I)

• Awareness or some experience of using radiation or detectors (S&I)
• Some experience in computer programming (e.g., C, C++, Python, MATLAB) (S&I)

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.

Link to more benefits:

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.

You can check your eligibility here:

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!