Measurement Science Apprentice

Measurement Science Apprentice

Starting salary: £17,395 per annum (increased annually - Year 2: £20,005, Year 3: £23,004)

Full time 3-Year Fixed Term Placement

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement

Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.

Diamond provides the opportunity to work and learn within an exciting and unique working environment with a vast array of scientific research that really does make a difference in shaping and changing the world and our understanding of it.

Have you ever thought about how much of your life depends on accurate measurements? From checking a newborn baby's health to navigating with GPS, measurements are everywhere. The science behind this is called metrology, and it helps keep our world safe, fair, and efficient. Without it, doctors could give the wrong medicine doses, GPS systems could send us in the wrong direction, and even cooking food safely would become a challenge.

In today’s high-tech world, metrology is more important than ever—powering everything from atomic clocks in satellites to robots building smartphones with incredible precision. Whether it’s ensuring an F1 car performs at top speed or making sure the food we eat is safe, accurate measurements help us make the right decisions and keep modern life running smoothly.

We now have an opportunity for a Measurement Science Apprentice to participate in multiple scientific projects and work with Scientists, Engineers and Technicians to develop a range of skills and knowledge of Precision Measurement (metrology), which will commence September 2026.

Under the guidance of measurement specialists in the Precision Metrology Laboratory, you will be expertly trained to use computer controlled, scientific instruments to perform accurate length and angle measurements.

This 3-year apprenticeship will be in collaboration with the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL), a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards. The NPL is based in Teddington, Southwest London where you will be required to undertake 6 x 1-week blocks of training per year, providing you with the opportunity to meet other metrology apprentices from other organisations.

As your knowledge and skills develop, the role will expand to include the following responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of Metrology Specialists, help to test equipment using state-of-the-art scientific instruments in the Precision Metrology Laboratory (PML).
• Contribute to the everyday operation and maintenance of the lab, including designing and building simple mechanical apparatus.
• With suitable training, operate computer-controlled, scientific instruments.
• Participate in scientific research projects.
• Follow safe working practices in the lab.
• Assist with basic analysis of scientific data.

You must have achieved (or are expecting) 5 GCSE’s at grade 4/C and above, including English, Maths and at least one Science subject (or equivalent qualification).

Key Personal Attributes:

• Basic computing skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong interest in maths, physics, and computing.
• Be able to demonstrate a genuine desire for a career in science or engineering.
• Willingness to learn new skills and ideas, and to explore ways of improving the quality of a measurement.

You must be able to make your own travel arrangements to Diamond (at the Harwell Campus) and NPL (in Teddington, Southwest London).

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme with a 2.3% accrual rate. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities.

A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.