Industrial Placement – Student Physicist

At Perkin Elmer
, we design, manufacture and deliver advanced technology solutions which address the world’s most critical human and environmental health and safety concerns. Our Environmental Health business develops analytical instrumentation, and support services, all to protect the quality and sustainability of our environment. Perkin Elmer transforms information into actions that improve our safety today and our world tomorrow.

In the Research and Development team at High Wycombe, we investigate emerging technologies in infrared, near‑infrared and UV spectroscopy. We actively lead the development of next generation instruments for materials characterisation and offer infrared, near‑infrared and UV spectroscopy solutions and expert technical support from cradle to grave.

You will join the Systems team as an Industrial Placement student. In this role you will be immersed in cutting‑edge product development within our Material Characterisation group. Working alongside a diverse team of 18‑25 talented scientists, engineers and students, you will contribute to developing next‑generation analytical instruments while gaining hands‑on experience in a professional R&D environment.

As a valued team member, you will be fully integrated into live projects and innovative initiatives, with the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our collaborative culture. This placement offers a unique blend of technical and professional development, where you will enhance both your academic knowledge and transferable skills.

We believe in providing a comprehensive STEM career experience, treating our interns as full‑time professionals and ensuring exposure to various aspects of industrial scientific development. This role is ideal for students passionate about applying their theoretical knowledge to real‑world challenges while developing the skills needed for a successful career in industrial science and engineering.

As a Student Scientist you will assist in research projects conducted within the department.

These projects may relate to the evaluation of new hardware or software technology relevant to infrared spectroscopy, or to the development of a functional prototype instrument. Within the project you will take ownership of component development for a new instrument and with this autonomy you will gain confidence and leadership skills.

The work will include:

• Assisting in the development and evaluation of new technology, including: design, modelling and analysis, testing (designing and running experiments), and troubleshooting
• Testing prototype products in the laboratory (at the application level), working with the R&D team and applications experts to characterise and optimise instrument performance
• Working with product experts and liaising with potential customers to better understand requirements and specifications
• Completing project tasks within agreed timescales
• Organising and conducting your own daily/weekly work schedule
• Participating in teams and meetings and presenting the results of your work

To qualify, you must have completed a minimum of 2 years of an undergraduate degree in Physics or Engineering at the start of the placement. You will be working towards achieving a 2:1 or above and looking to complete a 12 month placement as part of your degree.

To be successful you will need:

• Good numerical and analytical skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a team or independently where needed
• Good problem solving and reasoning skills
• Ability to learn and retain new skills
• Practically minded with hands‑on laboratory skills (physical chemistry/physics/electronics

Examples of specific skills that would be desirable include:

• An understanding of the theory, practice and applications of infrared and UV‑Vis spectroscopy
• Knowledge of geometrical optics and experience setting up optical experiments (preferably including experience with lasers)
• Familiarity at least one computer programming language or numerical computing environment (C, MATLAB, Python, Java/Android, …)
• Experience with Lab View
• Some knowledge of…