GEOPTIC CAREERS

Are you a current nuclear and/or particle physics PhD student looking to gain industrial experience?

If you are, consider applying to Geoptic where we have a range of interesting applied scientific and engineering projects to get involved with, including:

• Using the cosmic ray muon background to aid positioning in GPS-denied environments

• Locating and characterising old 19th century construction shafts on the UK’s railway network using cosmic ray muons

• Imaging old mining works using cosmic ray muons to aid the safety of existing mines

• Simulations of geological disposal facilities to support early-stage studies studies

Geoptic is an innovative start-up bringing nuclear and particle physics techniques to hard industrial engineering diagnostic problems. Our typical day-to-day work includes the high performance simulation, design, and development of nuclear and particle physics based measurement systems for harsh environments. Training will be given in all areas, from our GEANT4-based simulation software to practical detector and system integration testing. We complement our advanced particle detector measurements with statistical analysis techniques to quantify our confidence in the results.

We’re looking to support early-stage Physicists into pursuing careers in applied industrial cosmic ray measurements. The exciting career path is open to those with a nuclear and particle physics background, who are able to demonstrate…

• A working experience of C/C++ in experimental data analyses before. Ideally, C++ analysis and simulation packages such as GEANT4 and ROOT would mean that you hit the ground running.

• The ability to adapt to, or develop in Python, within Jupyter notebooks, and the SciPy, NumPy, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn libraries

• Good foundational knowledge of, and ideally hands-on with, radiation detectors and their sub-systems, particularly we’re looking for well-honed laboratory testing and problem-solving skills

We offer a paid placement over 3 to 6 months depending on your availability based at Geoptic’s South Warnborough location. Travel is encouraged to widen the experience, and there is potential to support international projects; as a result of these opportunities, some overnight working, a valid driving license and passport are also required.

We’re happy to work with you and your university supervisor to discuss further how this project would complement and fit around your studies.

Title: Laboratory Technician and Supervisor

Reporting to: Senior Engineer 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week to include some weekend and overnight working

Location: The position is based in the main office and workshop in South Warnborough and on site.  

Key Role Requirements: Some overnight shift-working will be required. A full UK driver’s license is required to transport equipment. The role is physically demanding, frequently lifting and carrying heavy objects.  

Purpose

Geoptic specialises in sensitive instrumentation that measures natural background radiation (called cosmic rays), turning these measurements into key decision-forming information for its clients. The types of projects undertaken include cosmic ray surveys of railway tunnels, design and build of bespoke instrumentation, and computational simulations. 

The Technician and Laboratory Supervisor role is a key member of the team, supporting the engineering development and construction of Geoptic’s detection systems. The successful person will work within the engineering team, with experience of electronics and mechanical design and build. Part of the role will drive excellence in health and safety compliance within the company’s laboratory environment, developing processes that abide with HSE’s guidance.  

The successful person will also be a leading member of the survey team, working night shifts, including some weekends, to survey infrastructure around the UK. The role holder will need to develop a solid understanding of the Geoptic survey team responsibilities to its clients. A strong personality, technical understanding and drive are needed to acquire high quality data for a successful survey shift. 

Key responsibilities & duties

• On-site Technical Support to Geoptic’s survey and technology development programmes

• Supervising surveys on site including some overnight and/or weekend working

• Provide technical support in our workshops: developing, maintaining and testing survey systems

• Comfortable with Linux or Unix operating systems

• Experience of 3D Printing Design and Manufacturing for prototyping

• Electronics design skills

• Experience of configuration of computational hardware (e.g. installation of memory, hard drives etc). 

• Experience of working in small scientific/engineering teams

• Knowledge and willingness to contribute to the company’s health and safety processes and policy

• Training new users on equipment

• Performing routine maintenance and calibration of equipment

• Ensure adherence to health and safety guidelines and industry standards

• Implement and monitor quality control programs

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory activities and ensuring auditing requirements are met

• Liaise with other teams to support production and business operations

• Oversee the ordering and storage of laboratory supplies ensuring safe handling and appropriate stock levels

Experience and Qualifications

Five years post-degree (or equivalent) experience in Physics, Engineering or a related field, working in a scientific or engineering workshop

Skills & Qualities

• Experience and use of CAD software for mechanical or PCB design development

• Produce software tools/programs for analysis and feasibility calculations

• Critical evaluation of approaches to tasks

• Ability to explain problems simply and clearly

• Proficiency in MS Office and similar software

• Strong technical expertise in mechanical and electronic design principles, with hands-on experience in instrumentation troubleshooting and integrated system upkeep/ maintenance

• Negotiation with suppliers

• Budgeting and estimating  costs and time to complete tasks

• Diagnosing, repairing and replacing faulty equipment 

• Running equipment tests and reporting

• Writing of reports, safety documentation, and maintenance plans

• Experience working in an academic or industrial laboratory environment

• Comprehensive understanding of H&S protocols including conducting risk and COSHH assessments

• Knowledge of accreditation procedures

Personal qualities

• Good time-keeping

• Attention to detail

• Supports the team to succeed

• Positive and approachable

Title: Muon Survey Scientist

Reporting to: Managing Director

Hours: 37.5 hours per week to include some weekend and overnight working

Location: The position is based in the main office and workshop in South Warnborough and on site. 

Purpose

The Scientist role is a key member of the team, delivering critical analysis of Geoptic’s data, guiding advances in instrumentation supported by simulation and/or calculational evidence. The person is expected to support instrumental trials and client surveys. They are proficient in scientific programming, picking up established libraries as needed. A positive approach to their work and working with others are essential.

The successful person will also be a strong member of the survey team, sometimes working night shifts (including some weekends), in order to survey infrastructure around the UK.

The role holder will build on their existing interests and experiences to develop a solid understanding of the Geoptic survey technology, team responsibilities to its clients.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Technical support to Geoptic’s survey and technology development programmes

• Data analysis using Python/C++ and scientific processing and plotting libraries,

• A strong drive to deliver results over features

• Understanding of radiation detection techniques and technologies

• Experience of working in small scientific/engineering teams

• A considerate and safe approach to their work, following the company’s health and safety processes and policy

• Demonstrable experience of a high standard of presentation of scientific studies and their results in verbal and written forms (reports)

Experience and Qualifications

Requires a Masters graduate degree in a Scientific or Engineering-related subject

Personal Qualities

• Drive to deliver high-quality scientific and engineering results to deadlines

• Detail-oriented

• Supports the team to succeed

• Positive and approachable