Computational Mathematics Summer Placement

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £22,096
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

The Mathematical Research Software Engineering Group sits within the Computational Mathematics Theme of the Scientific Computing Department. We work closely with the other groups in the Theme, and altogether form a set of around 20 researchers and software engineers that work together tocarry out mathematical research by developing and analysing innovative algorithms, which then underpin high quality numerical software that is used by scientists and engineers worldwide. We work alongside our scientists at STFC to identify and overcome numerical bottlenecks in their software. As a summer placement student in our Group, you will be embedded in the team and will become familiar with our software, the mathematics behind it, and the problems it is designed to solve. You will benefit from an inclusive working environment, partnering with our research software engineers and mathematicians to make a difference to our software.

About Summer Placements at STFC

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

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including flexible working hours, health promotion programmes, and subsidised restaurant and coffee outlets. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here .

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Gather a range of test problems from publicly available data sets
• Write software for benchmarking the performance of the Theme's software on these test problems, comparing against alternative solutions
• Prepare a report describing the performance

To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following:

Essential:

• You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies once the summer placement has concluded
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement
• Knowledge (at an appropriate level) of Numerical Linear Algebra and/or Optimization, and interest in learning more
• Familiarity with computer programming

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.

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

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org .

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Additional Information

• Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
• External Closing Date: Mar 9, 2025
• Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 22,096
• Hours: Full-time

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