Student Physicist

Full Job Description

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs.  With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title:                                  Industrial Placement – Student Physicist

Location:                                   Seer Green, Buckinghamshire  

Reports To:              Technology Leader 

Duration :                           12 Months – Summer 2024 to Summer 2025

About PerkinElmer

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

You will be joining a small team of 8 -12 scientists, engineers and students. You will work on 1-3 projects during the year and will have the opportunity to do serious design work (not just running endless samples in the lab!) Examples of recent projects completed by student scientists include the design and evaluation of a miniature spectrometer to be incorporated into a handheld analyser; and an application-level evaluation of a prototype near-infrared spectrometer, including demonstration of the system to PerkinElmer sales staff and potential end-users of the system.

We will tailor the role to suit the successful applicant and welcome applications from students with a bias towards either theory or experiment.

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
• 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

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:

• An understanding of the theory, practice and applications of infrared 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 LabView
• Some knowledge of electronics (assembly and test of basic circuits)

Please apply on with your cv and a covering letter outlining why you are interested in this opportunity.

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 £24,000 pa pro rata.

We regret we will not consider candidates who have already graduated for this role.

If you have any questions please contact:

Kate Snell, Senior Recruiter, PerkinElmer LAS (UK) Ltd, Chalfont Road, Seer Green, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 2FX. Telephone +44 (0)1494 679006.  Email:

PerkinElmer values the strength of a diverse workforce.