Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 
Salary: £24,340 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 48 months 
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours 
Location: Hartree Centre, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Keckwick, Warrington, WA4 4AD
Closing Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026 
Start Date: September 2026

Are you curious about how technology can bring science to life? Do you want to create visual tools that help researchers and businesses see the bigger picture?

At the Hartree Centre, we use supercomputing, data science and AI to solve real-world problems—and we’re looking for creative minds to help us do it. Backed by government investment and partners like IBM and Atos, we deliver cutting-edge digital solutions that drive innovation across UK industry.

As a Visualisation Software Engineering Apprentice, you’ll join our Technical Solutions and Operations Group (TSOG), where you’ll learn to build interactive graphics and immersive visualisations that make complex data clear, compelling and accessible. You’ll be part of a team that blends technical skill with creative thinking, and because we’re part of STFC and UKRI, you’ll gain access to world-class research facilities and a network of leading experts across the UK and beyond. 

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.  

You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.  

Why join the Technical Solutions and Operations group at STFC

You’ll be joining the Technical Solutions and Operations Group (TSOG)—the team behind Hartree Centre’s powerful computing and visualisation platforms. TSOG blends technical expertise with creative innovation to support researchers and industry partners. From managing high-performance systems to developing immersive visualisations in VR and AR, the team transforms complex scientific data into interactive experiences that inform, inspire and solve real-world challenges.

Qualifications gained  

• BSc (Hons) in Digital & Technology Solutions  
• Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions Professional  
• Digital and technology solutions professional / Skills England.  

What You’ll Learn

• How to build software from start to finish – from understanding what users need, to designing, coding, testing and supporting the final product.  
• Teamwork and leadership – work with experienced developers and may even guide junior team members.  
• Creative problem-solving – use technology to fix issues, improve systems, and make things work better.  
• Collaboration with designers and product managers – help turn ideas into working digital solutions.  
• Security awareness – learn how to keep software safe and secure.  
• Fixing and improving existing software – troubleshoot problems and figure out how to make things better.  

• Commercial awareness – learn how to deliver great solutions while keeping an eye on budgets and value. 

   

Training provider

Manchester Metropolitan University: Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship | Manchester Metropolitan University 

Delivery - In person, One day a week 

What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities

You will be actively engaged in high-impact technical work, including:  

• High-Level Demonstrations: Presenting pre-existing solutions to VIPs and potential customers using our cutting-edge cinema presentation rooms (full training provided).  
• Application Development: Supporting and developing applications for VR and AR platforms within the multi-media suite, prioritising self-learning and continuous improvement.  
• Core Software Engineering: Working alongside experienced Hartree staff on software and model development, including dedicated mentoring and formal training in object-oriented programming (OOP).  
• 3D modelling: Creating a three-dimensional digital representation of scientific data, using specialised software to create engaging and immersive images and videos for public engagement and science-related media.  
• Reporting: Producing essential technical documentation and reports.

Entry Requirements

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

We are looking for the following:

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)  .
• A minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points at A Level ( x 3 subjects at grades BCC or above) or an equivalent Level 3 qualification i.e., BTEC National Diploma (D,M,M) (S)  
• Maths and /or Computing Science at A-level or equivalent (S)
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)  
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
• A strong and demonstrable interest in technology, computing and scientific research (S&I). Your CV and/or Cover Letter should give examples of personal or school/college projects that involved learning about using a programming language and/or hardware, and what you have enjoyed about this  
• Familiarity with the concept of computer operating systems (S)  You will be able to describe/demonstrate awareness of the range of computer operating systems. It is expected you may be stronger in one area than the other  
• Experience with computer programming in any language (S). For instance, you may have written a simple programme, web page or app in any programming language  
• Enthusiasm and interest in problem solving, game engines and 3D modelling technologies (S&I)  

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
• You will need to have achieved, or predicted to achieve 104 UCAS points or equivalent by September 2026.
• When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on [email protected] if you have any questions. 

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

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For a list of our full benefits, please visit here.

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 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. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y 

How to apply 

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria 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! 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.