Octopus Industrial Placement

Overview

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £24,961 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot
Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025
Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026
Start Date: September 2026

We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student interested in using fluorescence microscopy to solve biological questions and helping implement imaging workflows for super resolution microscopy. The Octopus team at the Central Laser Facility specialises in advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques and gives support to researchers across the UK and Europe. We are an interdisciplinary group, thus, the candidate will have the opportunity to experience different approaches to problem solving and a diverse work environment.

Role summary

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'll become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You'll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Graduate Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.

Responsibilities

The post holder will have the opportunity to get acquainted with some of the microscopy techniques offered by Octopus, as well as with the everyday user-support. In addition, the post holder will focus on STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) microscopy, FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy), sample preparation and image analysis. This will include practical aspects such as cell culture, immunolabelling techniques, operating microscopes, performing quality control of the microscopes, and image processing and analysis.

The role will include a research project which will involve imaging of biological samples, multiplexing of super resolution microscopy and live cell dynamics. The aim of the research project is to characterise the spatiotemporal dynamics of signalling proteins across different scales. This will provide novel real-time information of diverse proteins within a single cellular structure and allow us to learn more about the localisation, behaviour and function of these proteins in the cell. The applicant will be expected to demonstrate an interest in cell biology, imaging and microscopy.

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), 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 2026 (S)
• The candidate must be taking a relevant Life Sciences degree (S).
• Good record keeping is essential since the post holder will need to keep a comprehensive laboratory notebook and keep track of some user experiments (S&I).
• Good time/workload management skills (S&I).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Octopus is a big multidisciplinary group and we regularly interact with academic users, industry users and stakeholders (S&I).
• Self-motivation and a creative/flexible approach to overcoming challenges (S&I).
• Although previous experience in cell culture and other biological techniques is not essential, the candidate should have good sample handling skills and a neat/tidy approach to practical work (S&I).
• An interest in fluorescence microscopy applied to life sciences (I).

Desirable:

• An interest in photo physics/biophysics (S&I).
• An interest in research standards and quality control (S&I).
• An interest in multidisciplinary science (S&I).

Employee Benefits

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Link to more benefits: 2 lines not used

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: 2 lines not used

Application Guidance

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!