Synthetic Chemistry Summer Placement

Science and Technology Facilities Council

• Salary: £23,493 per annum
• Contract Type:
  Fixed Term – 10 weeks
• Hours:
  
  Full-time
• Location:
  
  Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
• Closing date: 8th March 2026
• Interview:
  Virtually via Microsoft Teams in April
• Start date:
  
  June 2026

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world‑leading centre for research at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments provides unique insight into the atomic‑scale properties of materials. The instruments are supported by dedicated laboratories that provide a range of specialist expertise in materials characterisation, handling of biological materials and synthesis of deuterated compounds and precursors.

Deuterated materials are provided by the ISIS Deuteration Facility (D‑Lab) to support scientific research at ISIS or other neutron facilities across the world. To date, most of the materials synthesised have been organic compounds.

The D‑Lab is looking to expand the range of materials to include isotopically labelled inorganic compounds. The aim of this project is to synthesise the protonated and deuterated forms of two compounds: one is a transition metal carbonyl hydride (H3/D3

Mn3(CO)12) and the second is a ternary metal complex (Mg2

FeH6/D6). These will require two different methodologies; the former by solution methods and the latter by high pressure methods. The materials will be characterised by a range of laboratory techniques and also by neutron methods.

The placement will provide hands on experience in isotopic labelling and an opportunity to enhance skills in general synthetic chemistry. The student will be working with highly experienced members of the D‑Lab for the synthetic work and with an expert in spectroscopy for the sample characterisation. At the same time, the work will enable the student to contribute to the advancement of isotopic labelling capabilities at ISIS, while developing practical and analytical skills.

STFC’s incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, 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.

• Working in a laboratory environment with a focus on safety.
• Documentation of the work carried out.
• Preparation of inorganic compounds by solution and high pressure methods.
• Characterisation of compounds by laboratory methods (e.g. XRD, NMR, IR, Raman).

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

• 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 (S)
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
• Enrolled and studying an undergraduate chemistry degree (S).
• Experience of preparative chemistry (S&I).
• Experience with analysing reaction outcomes. (S&I)
• Familiar with COSHH and risk assessments (S&I)

• Experience of Schlenk line methods (S&I).
• Enthusiasm for inorganic chemistry (S&I).

• 30 days holiday pro rata
• Flexible working hours.
• Easily accessible public transport links / free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Link to more benefits:

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.

You can check your eligibility here:

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 on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

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!