We have a number of exciting opportunities at our Central Laser Facility (CLF), at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, to work in a new project called Vulcan 20-20. The Vulcan high power laser facility sits at the heart of the CLF, and for decades has been internationally recognised as a globally leading laser facility, providing access for UK and international researchers working on a wide range of topics in high energy density and plasma science.

The CLF has recently secured funding for an ambitious £82M upgrade to the Vulcan facility (termed Vulcan 20-20) to increase its power to 20 PW, and its energy to 20 kJ. It will be the highest power laser in the world. We are looking for a wide range of scientists and engineers with excellent technical skills to help design, build and deliver Vulcan 20-20.

As part of the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC), the CLF contains many state-of-the-art laser systems and experimental stations, along with expert scientists, engineers and technicians that work with academic and industry users to deliver science across a broad range of fields. The CLF has around 200 staff and it is a very friendly, outgoing, externally facing sort of place. It is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.

We are looking for scientists and engineers at all stages of their careers to be a part of our friendly and enthusiastic team. We currently have the below vacancies available (closing on 8th October 2023) with more vacancies to follow soon.

What we offer

As part of UK Research and Innovation, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organisations and operates at a number of sites within the UK, including RAL and many more around the world. RAL is home to about 1,200 staff that work with a community of more than 10,000 scientists and engineers mainly from the research sector, which spans the scientific spectrum including energy, security, materials healthcare, life-sciences and the environment to address important challenges facing society.

STFC is an award-winning employer and RAL is a superb place to work – there is pioneering work going on all around the site and the environment, facilities and conditions are excellent. RAL has a real buzz and the people working here have a profound sense of pride in what they achieve.

Alongside an excellent working environment and comprehensive continued professional development STFC offers a benefits package and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work/life balance!

• 30 days holiday annually (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• flexible working hours
• an excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• employee shopping/travel discounts
• excellent learning and development opportunities
• visa Sponsorship for candidates applying outside of the UK

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please do get in touch if you would like any further information on the Vulcan 20-20 Project and the opportunities available via cristina.hernadez-gomez@stfc.ac.uk or Rajeev.Pattathil@stfc.ac.uk