Student Scientist

At PerkinElmer, 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. PerkinElmer transforms information into actions that improve our safety today and our world tomorrow.

In the Spectroscopy Research team at Seer Green, we investigate emerging technologies in infrared and near-infrared spectroscopy and develop early prototypes of instruments for materials characterisation. We engage with leading academics, potential customers and PerkinElmer’s Product Management and Sales teams to evaluate these new technologies in a real-world context and, where a strong business case is seen, transfer the prototypes to the formal new product development process.

**About the Student Scientist role**

**Role and Responsibilities**

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.

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
- 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

We will provide training on the use of relevant laboratory equipment and in the interpretation of experimental results.

This will be a challenging and rewarding position with plenty of scope to develop practical experimental skills and knowledge while working on projects of genuine value to the business. It would be ideal experience for a student considering post-graduate education or a career in R&D after the completion of his or her degree.

PerkinElmer at Seer Green has a history of taking students for placement years and many have gone on to take permanent roles in the organisation.

**Education and experience**

To qualify, you must have completed a minimum of 2 years of an undergraduate degree in Physics or Chemistry (with a strong Physical or Analytical Chemistry focus) 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 and also to work 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:

- 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 LabView
- Some knowledge of electronics (assembly and test of basic circuits)

The start date will be flexible around your exam dates and availability in the Summer of 2023. This is a 12 month paid internship at £20,000 pa pro rata.