At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software tools for real-world research projects.
- Company: Join the Rosalind Franklin Institute, a leader in advanced research computing.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentoring, and access to cutting-edge research infrastructure.
- Other info: Flexible projects tailored to your skills and learning objectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific research while enhancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be an undergraduate in computer science or related field.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 € per year.
We are offering a Year in Industry placement for a student interested in digital research infrastructure, data systems, and research‑enabling technologies. This role will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to work on real‑world projects that support researchers, improve data quality, and enhance infrastructure usability.
Examples of potential project areas:
- Tools to assess and improve metadata quality in line with FAIR principles.
- User‑facing dashboards to visualise infrastructure usage and system status.
- Pipelines to extract structured metadata from semi‑structured data sources using LLMs.
Projects are flexible and will be shaped to match the successful candidate’s skills and learning objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing and developing software tools to support research workflows.
- Working with data, metadata, and research infrastructure systems.
- Contributing to both user‑facing and backend systems.
- Translating technical outputs into clear, user‑focused documentation.
- Collaborating with engineers, researchers, and operations teams.
During the placement you will also be expected to:
- Produce clear technical and user‑facing documentation for your work.
- Deliver a presentation or demonstration of your project outcomes.
- Contribute maintainable code or outputs that can be used beyond the placement.
This placement will give you access to:
- Hands‑on experience working with real research infrastructure systems.
- Data‑intensive and research‑driven environments.
- Experience designing software for non‑technical users.
- Insight into how infrastructure supports scientific research.
- Mentoring and support from experienced engineers.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must currently be an undergraduate student at a university in the United Kingdom, pursuing a computer science or related course.
- You must be enrolled into a degree that allows you to work for a Year in Industry as a placement year.
- You must have the requisite grades to meet your university Year in Industry requirement.
- You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
- International students studying full‑time in the UK at UK universities may apply, provided they can demonstrate that undertaking a 'year in industry' placement is a formal part of their undergraduate programme and that their student visa or pre‑settled/settled status allows them to undertake full‑time paid work for one year.
Please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role. This job description sets out the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job, but research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self‑select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick. The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at atrecruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially. Please note that whilst we normally welcome applications from all around the world, students studying for degrees at universities outside the UK are not eligible for this programme.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please upload a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. The link to apply is provided via the Apply button above.
Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 14th June 2026.
PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT: Fixed‑Term Contract (12 months)
Year in Industry Placement – Advanced Research Computing (ARC) (10398) in Harwell employer: Uag
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a Year in Industry placement that immerses students in cutting-edge digital research infrastructure and data systems. With a strong focus on mentorship, hands-on experience, and collaborative projects, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful research while developing their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Located in the UK, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with real-world challenges and enhance your professional growth in a diverse team dedicated to scientific advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Year in Industry Placement – Advanced Research Computing (ARC) (10398) in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past interns at the Rosalind Franklin Institute on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the placement. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves designing software tools, be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they relate to the responsibilities listed. Show us your passion for research-enabling technologies!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your technical skills; highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. This is key for translating technical outputs into user-friendly documentation. Practice explaining your projects in simple terms to non-technical friends.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about the opportunity. Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the role, showcasing how your skills align with the projects mentioned.
We think you need these skills to ace Year in Industry Placement – Advanced Research Computing (ARC) (10398) in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. We want to see how your background in computer science or related fields makes you a great fit for the Advanced Research Computing placement.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about digital research infrastructure and how you can contribute to our projects. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, whether academic or personal, make sure to mention them. We love seeing practical examples of your skills, especially those that relate to data systems and software development.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uag
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key concepts of digital research infrastructure and data systems. Brush up on FAIR principles and be ready to discuss how they apply to metadata quality. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving software tools or data management. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve collaborated with others, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since you'll need to produce user-focused documentation, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will help you demonstrate your ability to translate technical outputs into clear documentation during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the projects you might work on and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the placement aligns with your learning objectives and career goals.
