High-Energy Laser Scientist Industrial Placement

This industrial placement is with a small and diverse team. You will be working directly with CALTA scientists and CLF engineers, and will be involved in a variety of different activities such as:

• Leading your own assigned project, under the guidance of a Technical Manager, where you will have direct influence over the outcomes


• Taking an active role in experiments and supporting world-renowned scientists, learning new skills and experiences continuously


• Developing techniques to improve DiPOLE lasers for improved performance (higher energies and repetition rates) and exploring new applications, both on your own and as part of a team


• Learning how to operate lasers; cryogenic systems; and high-vacuum systems in a clean room environment


• Learning and developing computer modelling and system control skills, to support your own project as well as other ongoing research activities


• Running experiments, analysing data and reporting your findings to the team, and other placement students, via written reports and presentations


• Networking by attending local conferences and collaborating with other departments within CLF., 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.
  
  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)


• Predicted grades corresponding to a 2:1 or higher (S)


• Good problem solving skills (I)


• Good time management skills (I)


• Highly motivated and able to work independently (I)


• Enthusiastic about lasers (S&I)


• Effective communication skills (S&I)


• Works well in a team (S&I)


• Responsible approach to health and safety (I)


Desirable:

• Experience working in laboratories (S&I)


• Experience with lasers / optics (S&I)


• Experience with coding for data analysis (S&I)


• Experience with computational modelling of physical systems (S&I)


• Experience using computer software to control systems (S&I)
  
  Would you like to join a world record-setting team, working at the cutting edge of laser science?


We are the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA), the research and development arm of STFC's Central Laser Facility (CLF). We pioneered the world-leading, high-energy laser amplifier technology known as DiPOLE. Using this technology, we have designed and built multiple record-breaking kilowatt-level, high-energy, diode-pumped solid-state lasers operating at both 10 Hz and 100 Hz pulse rates. Potential applications include research into high-energy-density phenomena and inertial fusion energy development. We are currently working on the commissioning of the 10 Hz, 1 PW beamline housed in the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre.

The first prototype DiPOLE laser we built is housed in our labs at the CLF. It operates at the 10 J, 10 Hz level and is a valuable experimental platform to test new technologies for developing our lasers and exploring new applications. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to be involved in experiments using the DiPOLE prototype laser, as well as leading their own unique research project that will directly contribute to both existing and future DiPOLE lasers. Research projects typically involve the development of new optical setups, integration of automated components and the testing and installation of new components into DiPOLE lasers. Candidates will be actively involved in the development, operation and testing of cutting-edge high-energy lasers. We aim to provide candidates with the chance to experience what it is really like to be a laser scientist.
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 ., 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., 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.

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.