Our Application Process

Right now, our colleagues are helping to put the next robotic explorer on Mars; they are deciphering the data that will help to unveil a distant black hole, and the data that will help to design a life-saving drug; they are designing new ways to tackle problems of the past and new ways to tackle problems of the future.

Each and every member of our team is writing their own story, but their individual stories are helping to tell a bigger story that journeys from the infinitesimally small of the quantum to world to very limits of the universe itself. If you think your story could be part of something bigger this is how you can make it happen.

Vacancies

From the hills of Oxfordshire to historic Edinburgh and to more than a kilometre underground on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, we have amazing opportunities based at unique locations across the UK. You can learn all about our locations here

If that all sounds a little too close to home, we have opportunities in Europe too and there are many jobs within the organisation where we are able to sponsor visas – depending on the job requirements and your qualifications. If you are applying from overseas for one of our UK based roles make sure you check the job description where we will highlight when we are able to offer sponsorship.

You can explore our current vacancies at https://careersportal.co.uk/UKRI-careers . Here you will find full-time and part-time positions. You will find our student summer placements, apprenticeships, and graduate schemes on https://careersportal.co.uk/UKRI-careers/

Application

When you find your dream opportunity, you will be directed to apply through our Careers Portal. You will make your application by uploading your CV and cover letter to our careers portal. If you haven’t registered here before, you will be prompted to do so.

Your CV and cover letter are your opportunity to highlight your strengths and experience in relation to role you are applying for. We will be looking for those candidates with skills that best fit the specific role and STFC as a whole.

When you have submitted your application you will receive an automated response from our partner organisation, UK Shared Business Services (UK SBS) to let you know we have received it.

Shortlisting

Once you’ve applied for a role, the next phase is down to us. Our hiring managers will shortlist the candidates and we aim to do this within 3 weeks of the closing date but, in the event that this takes us a little bit longer, we will try our best to keep you up to date.

We will always keep you informed of the outcome. These communications will be issued by UK SBS.

Interviews

If you get through the shortlisting phase, you will receive an email invitation to attend an interview from the recruitment team at UK SBS. The email will contain the details of the interview including the time, date, location, and any preparation required.

Although the invitation email will contain all the basic information you will need to attend the interview, we advise you do any background research into the role that might help prepare you for the interview process. It is likely to have been several weeks since you submitted your application, so it also worth reminding yourself of the job description. If this is no longer available online, just get in touch at [email protected] and the team will provide you with a copy.

You will need to prepare for a competency-based interview, so bring any examples of previous work, education, and personal experience that you feel will be relevant to the role. Don’t forget to think of some of your own questions to ask the panel about the role and working here – the interview is as much about you assessing if you are a good fit as it is about us assessing your suitability.

Post interview

The panel will advise you on how long it will take for an outcome of your interview to be decided. If you are concerned that you have not heard from us, then please feel free to follow up with [email protected] or 01793 867000.

If you want feedback on your interview, this can be provided at your request.

Right to work

All candidates must show a valid Right to Work Document when they attend an interview with us. If you are unsure what this entails, you can find a full list of approved documents at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checklist.

Pre-employment screening

If you are selected for one of our positions at STFC, you will need to complete pre-employment screening.

All successful candidates are required to complete Level A clearance and this is organised by Agenda Screening Services. Some roles will require further clearance levels (such as roles in finance). The process can take up to 3-4 weeks to complete and will require you to provide documentation to show previous employment, ID, and addresses.

You will also be required to complete an Occupational Health Assessment. UK SBS will send you details on how to complete this assessment which is available via an online portal managed by our Occupational Health Providers, Team Prevent. If required, they will be in touch to arrange follow up appointments.