Performance Improvement Industrial Placement

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Performance Improvement Industrial Placement (IRC252990)

Each year we offer opportunities to undergraduate students to gain practical experience, working alongside technical experts at the forefront of scientific research. We offer an invaluable experience with exposure to world class science and technology, and the opportunity to develop working relationships that continue well after your placement has finished.

ISIS is the world’s leading pulsed neutron and muon source for research in the physical and life sciences. Situated at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, the accelerator based facility provides research into physics, chemistry, materials science, geology, engineering and biology and is the most productive research centre of its type in the world.

Employing some 400 engineers and scientists, the success of ISIS depends critically on support staff and the reliability of the component parts. To address reliability issues, the ISIS Performance Improvement Section investigates and implements ways of improving machine down time. This role within the PI projects team will work on the First Line Diagnosis tool (FLD), set up to develop fault analysis pathways for the ISIS Operations crew to help reduce the time to diagnose and repair faults. Following on from the initial release, further development of the web based tool onto a new and improved platform (FLD3.0), interfacing to SharePoint or other systems are required and we need to recruit versatile support staff, with an engineering and computing skill set, to work within this small but expanding team.

You will work with the section leader, performance improvement engineer and all operational staff to facilitate ongoing project development, implementation and support. Maintaining and upgrading FLD will form part of the work during the year however this one year post presents many opportunities to be creative and innovative within new and ongoing projects including data analysis and user interface tools. Two other projects are presently in development and will be included in this post: The Operational Dashboard project displays critical machine status data in an intuitive, web-based user interface, using technologies that include Influx, Redis, React and other JavaScript tools. An additional project utilises similar technologies to provide real-time indications of control system data within a web-based GUI.

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To learn about the ISIS technical systems on a broader level so as to contribute to section initiatives
• To develop web-based applications using JavaScript and HTML/CSS
• Some Python scripting may be undertaken throughout the year
• To contribute to research, planning, development and evaluation to ensure the progress and success of ongoing Performance Improvement section projects and initiatives including FLD and a growing list of new initiatives.
• To provide ICT support, investigating and suggesting software improvements.
• To help in some authoring of content for FLD using appropriate software.
• To communicate with technical staff for information gathering purposes.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• You will have a working knowledge of computing and programming to an undergraduate level. Some knowledge or experience in the below, whilst not essential, would be advantageous: JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, Python
• You must be able to grasp engineering concepts so as to provide value to the team in discussions about performance improvements. They must be well organised, particularly when managing many activities in parallel; they must be able to balance priorities and deadlines effectively. They will need to work well in a team and be innovative when developing new resources and solving problems. They should demonstrate good interpersonal skills when working with people at different levels.
• You must be enthusiastic about science, engineering and computer science matters relating to the post and be able to convey their enthusiasm clearly. They must show an interest in the computing side of science and engineering through some coding and development skills. They need to have a confident and professional approach when presenting information.

About The Science and Technology Council (STFC)

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organisations. We’re trusted to support, enable and undertake pioneering projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, technology and Engineering.

How to Apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please read the how to apply information and download the application form. You must upload a CV and completed copy of the application form. Please save include the IRC reference number and your name in the filename of all documents uploaded to your application.

To be eligible you must be studying a recognised degree that requires you to undertake an Industrial Placement or have permission from your University to take a year out of your studies to undertake a placement. You must also have the right to work in the UK.