We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment. As part of the Sample Environment Group, you will be working in a team of 30 across four sections to support the ISIS user support run, along with collaborating with other user facilities worldwide on development projects and upgrading our bespoke equipment.
We appreciate that everyone learns and thinks in different ways; therefore, if you would prefer to provide your information in a different format; for example, over the phone, or you need support in completing your application please contact oasphase2@the-mtc.org
| Vacancy location | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, OX11 0QX |
| Training location | Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3DB |
| Working week | 37 hours |
| Wage | £19,514 |
| Closing date | 02 February 2026 |
| Start date | 01 September 2026 |
Why join the Sample Environment Group at STFC?
You will be working in a team of 30 across four sections to support the ISIS user support run, along with collaborating with other user facilities worldwide on development projects and upgrading our bespoke equipment. Click here for more information about the work of the Sample Environment team:
- Ever wondered how scientists create the perfect conditions for experiments? You’ll learn to build, maintain, and test specialist beamline equipment including vacuum, pressure, cryogenics, polarisation, low temperature, high temperature, rheology systems, HPLC pumps.
- Do you like solving problems and working with your hands? You’ll help design and assemble bespoke sample environment “widgets” for unique research challenges.
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Want to work with real scientists and engineers? You’ll provide technical support during live experiments and collaborate with experts from around the world.
Qualifications gained
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Single Discipline
Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England
What you’ll learn
- To work safely in an engineering environment.
- To follow safety procedures and regulations.
- Technical skills to fulfil your role.
- How to set up and operate a range of different machines including, manual, CNC (Computer Numerical Control), and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining).
- How to produce, analyse, and interpret data, including technical drawings, CAD (Computer Aided Design) files, and written procedures.
- To use appropriate engineering methods to identify the causes of problems and find suitable solutions.
- How to collaborate with engineers, technicians and stakeholders
What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities
As a member of the Sample Environment Group the successful applicant will:
- Build, Plan, and Maintain Equipment: Prepare and assemble sample environment kits, ensuring all components are ready. Communicate with scientists and team members to confirm requirements, then test equipment to enable experiments under the required conditions.
- Design Bespoke Solutions: Create custom sample environment “widgets” as needed for specific research requirements.
- Safety Compliance: Follow all workplace safety procedures, including general health and safety and radiation safety protocols.
- Collaborate on Design: Support the design office in developing new equipment through review meetings and provide input to ensure reliable, functional designs.
- Liaise with Scientists: Work closely with instrument scientists, visiting researchers, and other technical teams to ensure safe and efficient experiment runs.
- Technical Support: Provide hands-on assistance to visiting scientists during experiments as part of the ISIS user program.
Entry Requirements
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
We are looking for the following:
- 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
- An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
- Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (S&I)
- Good problem-solving skills (I)
- Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill (S&I)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team. (I)
- Good communication skills (both written and verbal) (S&I)
- IT literacy and working with Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. (S)