Detector Scientist / Engineer Summer placement - Detector Engineering Group

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 or July 2026

An exciting opportunity is available for a placement student to join the Detector Engineering 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 our most notable projects is the design, development and delivery of the Large Pixel Detector (LPD) to the European X-ray Free Electron Laser

During the 12 weeks in our group, the successful student will get to contribute to the first tests of the XIDYN Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a major new X-ray camera development led by STFC in partnership with some of Europe's largest photon light sources, including the Diamond Light Source Synchrotron, The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) and the European XFEL

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 chip in to the testing and characterization of X-ray detectors and readout application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), analyse data and report findings to your team. Your key responsibilities include:

• Conducting laboratory experiments using readout electronics and X-ray sources to evaluate detector performance
• Analysing numerical data to draw conclusions on detector and ASIC performance
• Communicating 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
• Sensors and their 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 ionising 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 sensors 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 of radiation interactions with matter (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!