About Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is a world-leading research organization in the United Kingdom, formed in 2007 through the merger of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), STFC supports groundbreaking research in astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, space science, and computational science. It operates major facilities such as the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington, and the UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh. STFC's mission is to deliver world-class science and technology, fostering innovation that addresses global challenges like climate change, energy, and healthcare. Key achievements include contributions to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the discovery of the Higgs boson, and advancements in satellite technology. With a focus on big science, STFC collaborates with universities, industry, and international partners, providing access to cutting-edge facilities for researchers worldwide. Located primarily in England, United Kingdom, STFC employs over 2,500 staff and supports thousands of scientists annually. For more details, visit the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Website. Explore academic jobs in the region through Academic Jobs in United Kingdom and Academic Jobs in England. Discover professor ratings at STFC via Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com.
STFC's history is rooted in the UK's commitment to scientific excellence, evolving from post-war research initiatives to a modern hub for interdisciplinary discovery. Its campuses, including the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, are hotspots for innovation, hosting events, conferences, and training programs. STFC has been instrumental in projects like the Square Kilometre Array telescope and neutron scattering research at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives to support early-career researchers and underrepresented groups in STEM. For academics and professionals, STFC offers a unique blend of fundamental research and applied technology transfer, making it a prime destination for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Learn more about higher education jobs at STFC and related opportunities at Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
In terms of impact, STFC's work has led to numerous patents, spin-out companies, and economic benefits, contributing billions to the UK economy. Notable alumni and affiliates include physicists who have won Nobel Prizes and led international collaborations. The council's strategic plan for 2025 emphasizes sustainable technologies, AI integration, and quantum computing, aligning with global research trends. For job seekers interested in STFC academic opportunities, the organization provides resources for professional development, including fellowships and apprenticeships. Connect with location-specific careers via Academic Jobs in England.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Faculty job opportunities at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are abundant for those in research-intensive fields. High-demand roles include Research Fellows in Particle Physics, Lecturers in Astronomy, and Senior Scientists in Computational Modeling. According to 2025 trends from sources like UKRI reports and Glassdoor, STFC is expanding in AI-driven research and sustainable energy, with a focus on departments like the Central Laser Facility and the Hartree Centre for supercomputing. Professor positions at STFC often involve leading projects at facilities like Diamond Light Source, with salaries ranging from £40,000 to £70,000 for mid-level roles and up to £100,000+ for senior positions, depending on experience and funding. These figures are based on 2025 data from PayScale and UK government salary surveys for research councils. Lecturer roles in space science emphasize teaching and collaboration with universities, while research jobs at STFC highlight innovation in nuclear physics. Explore professor positions STFC and higher education jobs STFC through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search. For academic careers at STFC, consider the competitive funding environment, with opportunities for grants from EPSRC and EU programs. Job trends show a 15% increase in data science roles by 2025, driven by big data from telescopes and accelerators. Rate professors STFC to inform your application process via Rate My Professor. Salaries in STFC academia are competitive, with benefits like pension schemes and flexible working. Find faculty jobs STFC in England and pursue lecturer roles STFC today.
Specific examples include positions in the Astrophysics department, where researchers contribute to missions like the James Webb Space Telescope, or in Engineering, focusing on accelerator technologies. Entry-level research assistants start at around £28,000, progressing to principal investigators earning £60,000–£80,000. These ranges account for location in high-cost areas like Oxfordshire. STFC's job market is robust, with over 200 openings annually, emphasizing interdisciplinary skills. For those interested in academic opportunities STFC, networking at events like the STFC Innovation Showcase is key. Compare with other UK institutions via Professor Salaries. The organization values international talent, offering visa support for global applicants. Dive into research jobs STFC and discover why it's a top choice for pioneering careers.
To apply, tailor your CV to highlight publications and grant experience. STFC prioritizes impact, so demonstrate real-world applications of your work. Explore more at Research Jobs and Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
Research Fellow in Particle Physics 💼
Salary: £45,000–£55,000. Involves work at CERN collaborations.
Lecturer in Space Science 🎓
Salary: £40,000–£60,000. Focus on satellite data analysis.
Senior Scientist in Computing 📊
Salary: £50,000–£70,000. Leads AI projects at Hartree Centre.
Engineering Specialist 💼
Salary: £35,000–£50,000. Supports facility operations.
Why Work at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Working at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers in cutting-edge research. With access to world-class facilities like the ISIS Neutron Source and the Central Laser Facility, professionals engage in high-impact projects that shape global science. Career prospects include rapid advancement through fellowships and leadership roles, supported by STFC's emphasis on professional development and international collaborations. Unique benefits encompass generous pensions, flexible hours, and family-friendly policies, as per 2025 UKRI reports. STFC's location in vibrant areas like Harwell provides a stimulating environment with networking events and innovation hubs. Compared to traditional universities, STFC offers more applied research focus, attracting those in professor positions STFC and research jobs STFC. Explore why academic careers at STFC are rewarding via Higher Ed Jobs and rate professors STFC at Rate My Professor.
The appeal lies in STFC's commitment to societal impact, with research translating to technologies in healthcare and energy. Employees benefit from training in emerging fields like quantum technologies, positioning them for future trends.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The salary guide for faculty at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) reflects its status as a premier research body. Based on 2025 data from Glassdoor, PayScale, and UKRI transparency reports, average salaries range from £28,000 for early-career researchers to £100,000+ for directors. Factors influencing pay include experience, department (e.g., higher in computing vs. astronomy), location premiums in Oxfordshire, and performance bonuses. Assistant-level roles in research start at £30,000–£40,000, while senior lecturers or principal investigators earn £50,000–£70,000. Salaries in STFC academia are competitive with UK universities, often supplemented by grants. For instance, a Research Fellow in Particle Physics might earn £45,000 base, plus allowances. Trends show a 5% annual increase due to inflation and funding boosts. Compare with other institutions at Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. Location in England affects cost-of-living adjustments.
Detailed breakdowns reveal that engineering faculty average £55,000, while space science roles hit £60,000 with experience. Benefits add 20-30% value, including health insurance and relocation support. For 2025, STFC is aligning salaries with market rates to attract talent in AI and sustainability. Job seekers can use this guide for negotiations, considering tenure-equivalent security in research councils.
Additional factors: Publications and grant success can boost pay through merit awards. Explore more at University Salaries.
| Role | Average Salary (GBP) | Range | 
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant 📊 | £32,000 | £28,000–£36,000 | 
| Lecturer 💼 | £45,000 | £40,000–£50,000 | 
| Senior Scientist 📊 | £60,000 | £50,000–£70,000 | 
| Director 🎓 | £90,000 | £80,000–£100,000+ | 
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com helps you find and rate top educators at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Based on researched notable faculty like Prof. Carole Mundell (Astronomy) and Dr. Tim Gershon (Particle Physics), ratings highlight excellence in teaching and research. These insights aid in choosing courses and recognizing contributions to STFC's programs in space science and innovation. Visit Rate My Professor to contribute and explore professor ratings STFC.
Prof. Carole Mundell
Department: Astronomy. Rating: 4.8/5. Known for astrophysics expertise.
Dr. Tim Gershon
Department: Particle Physics. Rating: 4.7/5. Leads LHCb experiments.
Prof. Philip Burrows
Department: Accelerator Science. Rating: 4.9/5. Innovates in beam technologies.
Dr. Sarah Bridle
Department: Cosmology. Rating: 4.6/5. Focuses on dark energy research.
Prof. Mark Thomson
Department: Neutrino Physics. Rating: 4.8/5. Contributes to DUNE project.
Dr. Anna Scaife
Department: Radio Astronomy. Rating: 4.7/5. Advances SKA initiatives.
Career Progression at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Career progression at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) follows a structured path from postdoctoral roles to senior leadership. Starting as a Research Associate (£35,000–£45,000), academics advance to Group Leader (£50,000–£65,000) with tenure-like security through continuous funding. Research funding from UKRI supports grants up to £1M, emphasizing STFC's strengths in big data and quantum tech. Professional development includes leadership training and international secondments. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
University-specific factors include collaborations with Oxford and Manchester, enhancing publication opportunities.
Research and Innovation at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Research at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) focuses on trends like AI in astronomy and sustainable fusion energy, with major centers like the Boulby Underground Laboratory. Funding exceeds £500M annually, supporting collaborations with NASA and ESA. Explore opportunities at Research Jobs.
Innovations include advancements in materials science via synchrotron light sources.
Resources for Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Academics
- Professional development: Leadership courses and mentorship programs 💼
- Unions: Support from Prospect Union for fair pay
- Benefits: Comprehensive health plans and sabbaticals 🎓
- Funding resources: Access to Innovate UK grants
Student Life and Perspectives at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
While STFC is research-focused, it offers PhD programs in partnership with universities, emphasizing hands-on experience in labs. Career outcomes include roles in industry and academia. Use Rate My Professor for supervisor selection.
Student resources include internships and workshops on emerging tech.

