Year in Industry

Diamond has a wide range of research and development activities, encompassing many subject areas, and many of the projects are interdisciplinary, meaning you will work with multiple groups during your time with us. 

The 12 month 'Year in Industry' placement scheme allows undergraduate students studying for a relevant degree to gain experience working in a number of different teams at Diamond Light Source.

These 12 month placements are paid positions and will provide successful students with an opportunity to work on a research or development project within Diamond. The placements will be paid at a rate in excess of £19,000pa on a pro-rata basis.

You will work on your own project during the year, with support from your supervisors, collaborating with your groups, and staff all across the organisation. Diamond has an excellent track record for helping students execute work which is valued by the whole Diamond community.

You will also have the opportunity to get involved with other areas of work at Diamond to gain a wider view of the full range of what Diamond does. You will have the opportunity to visit research teams based at Diamond and other facilities on-site at the Harwell Campus, and to participate in public engagement events, and in communicating science to a wider audience.

In previous years our Year in Industry students went to the Bluedot Science and Music festival to represent Diamond, and students have also attended New Scientist Live and other external events. Students are also encouraged to participate in a variety of internal and external public engagement events throughout the year.

Training and experience is also provided in the following areas:

• Presentation training to prepare for your final talk on your project
• Poster Design as an important skill for the communication of science
• Python programming
• Public Engagement skills
• An internal programme of seminars and talks from leading scientists
• Tours and talks of other science facilities across the Harwell Campus

Placement students must be registered as an undergraduate for the duration of their time at Diamond and ensure that they can commit to the whole 12-month period. Applicants should be expecting to gain a first or 2:1 honours degree.