Industrial Placement – Student Physicist

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 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.

About the Student Scientist role

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 Characterization 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.

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. 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.

Education and experience

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 with 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).

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 their degree.

Please note this will be predominantly an office based role, though we do offer hybrid working.

PerkinElmer at High Wycombe has a history of taking students for placement years and many have gone on to take permanent roles in the organisation. Students are given stimulating and interesting projects to work on that are of genuine value to the business.

Please apply online at https://jobs.perkinelmer.com/ with your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are interested in this opportunity.