At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainability projects and collaborate with diverse teams to drive environmental change.
- Company: Join the Science and Technology Facilities Council, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible hours, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with top scientists and engineers.
- Qualifications: Must be a university student returning to studies after the placement.
The predicted salary is between 18794 - 18794 £ per year.
Salary: £23,493 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 11 weeks
Hours: Full-time
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Closing date: 8th March 2026
Interview: Virtually via Microsoft Teams in April 2026
Start date: July 2026
SPADE (Sustainability Principles and Advice for Design and Engineering) is a cross-departmental initiative that launched in March 2023 to provide easily accessible environmental sustainability tools and advice to all members of staff. The SPADE team consists of staff in a variety of roles, from a range of departments, across multiple STFC sites. The remit of SPADE now includes improving STFC’s processes to empower staff to work more sustainably, working with staff at all levels of the organisation to enact substantial change.
The summer placement will be embedded within the Environmental Sustainability team, giving them access to support and guidance from the team, however the role will be focused on supporting SPADE and the SPADE projects, which will involve communication and interaction across the organisation.
Engineers and technical staff are essential to the science that STFC undertakes, operating innovative science facilities, pioneering new technologies, and developing research and instrumentation across a wide range of fields, such as physics, computer science, and space. Making our engineering and technical functions sustainable is key to making our extraordinary science sustainable.
Summer Placements at STFC allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. You will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will also be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the SPADE and Environmental Sustainability teams to support the development of improved sustainability practices.
- Create an inventory of technical equipment available across STFC’s engineering facilities and workshops, to enable materials and equipment to be shared between groups and departments.
- Collect information for and write case studies on technical projects which have incorporated environmental sustainability considerations into their designs.
- Engage with and support STFC environmental sustainability working groups and initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential:
- You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded.
- You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement.
- Presents and communicates information clearly, both written and verbally.
- Can demonstrate good team working capabilities.
- Interest and enthusiasm for engineering and or science.
- Good time management and organisation skills with an ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently when required.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 or similar.
Desirable:
- Interest and enthusiasm for environmental sustainability.
- Familiarity with engineering hardware and equipment.
- Willingness to undertake short international visits for project meetings.
Employee Benefits
We are offering a fixed term position with a whole host of benefits including:
- 30 days holiday pro rata
- Flexible working hours
- Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
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.
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!
Environmental Sustainability & Engineering Summer Placement in London employer: UKRI
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of environmental sustainability and engineering within a collaborative and innovative environment at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working hours, and a supportive culture, STFC empowers its staff to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to global sustainability efforts while enjoying excellent benefits and access to world-class facilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Sustainability & Engineering Summer Placement in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research STFC and their SPADE initiative. Understanding their values and projects will help you connect during interviews and show your genuine interest in environmental sustainability.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves collaboration, being able to clearly express your ideas and listen to others is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get feedback.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past interns at STFC on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to exciting sustainability projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Sustainability & Engineering Summer Placement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Environmental Sustainability & Engineering role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially your interest in engineering and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be a chance to shine! Address how you meet each essential criterion mentioned in the job description. Be specific about your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the SPADE team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key, make sure your application reflects this. Use concise language and structure your documents well. This will demonstrate your ability to present information clearly, both written and verbally.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at STFC!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the SPADE initiative and its goals. Familiarise yourself with environmental sustainability practices and how they apply to engineering. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight any projects where you contributed to a group effort, especially those related to sustainability or engineering.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the SPADE projects and the Environmental Sustainability team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the placement is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Focus on your communication skills, as being able to convey information effectively is crucial for this role.
