Events Assistant Summer Placement

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £23,493 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term – 12 weeks

Hours: Full-time

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Closing date: 8th March 2026

Interview: Virtually via Microsoft Teams in April 2026

Start date: June 2026

Job Description

The NQCC is the UK’s national centre for quantum computing, dedicated to accelerating its development by addressing the challenges of scaling up the technology. Our vision is to enable the UK to solve some of the most complex and challenging problems facing society by harnessing the potential of quantum computing. The centre is working with businesses, government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC’s programme represents a £93m investment and is jointly delivered by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, as part of UK Research and Innovation.

As an Events Assistant placement student within our organization, you will play a pivotal role in planning and executing events that showcase cutting-edge advancements in quantum technologies. This dynamic position provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the exciting world of quantum computing, gaining hands-on experience in event management. Collaborating with the events assistant, you will acquire practical experience in event planning, coordination, and execution, as well as exposure to managing databases, coordinating resources, and providing guest services.

You will join the NQCC’s innovation team, supporting our innovation and engagement activities. The role will involve engaging with staff across the NQCC to enable the communication of our science and innovation through supporting the delivery of events. There will be a variety of opportunities to learn about quantum computing and to present your work throughout the placement.

Summer Placements at STFC

STFC’s incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world-leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will also be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• In liaison with the Communications Manager and Events Assistant, participate in on-site event support, overseeing set-up activities, and addressing participant needs.
• Provide administrative assistance in tasks related to event preparation, including documentation and correspondence.
• In liaison with the Events Assistant, assist in coordinating with vendors, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to logistical arrangements, ensuring all elements are in place for a successful event.
• Responsible for creating and managing comprehensive databases, aiding in vendor selection, supplier coordination, and guest communication.
• Contribute to the post-event evaluation process by gathering feedback from participants.
• Assist in analysing feedback to identify areas for improvement and success.
• Assist in maintaining organized event files, tracking progress, and managing event-related documentation.

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• You are in full-time education at university and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded (S).
• You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S).
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities (S&I).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (S&I).
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances (S&I).
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate and flawless event execution. (S&I).

Desirable

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite is advantageous (S&I).

Employee Benefits

We are offering a fixed-term position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday pro rata
• Flexible working hours.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At the interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criterion stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!