Graduate Life at ISIS
23 Oct 2025
A place for Graduates to shape the future of science. Stepping from university into the professional world of science can feel like a leap, but joining ISIS Neutron and Muon Source makes it exciting and meaningful. Here, graduates become an integral part of projects that drive real life innovations. You pick up new skills every day and see how large-scale research really happens.
For anyone finishing a degree and wondering where to turn next, ISIS offers more than a first job. It offers a career immersed in discovery, surrounded by people who believe science should be shared and advanced together.
As the science communication industrial placement student, I spoke with several recent graduates who began their careers here. They described their days as full of opportunities and personal growth.Keep reading to learn more about their work and what the experience is really like.
Nefeli Hutton
Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer
Nefeli’s role varies from rotation to rotation and they’re currently working in instrument design and integration, on the new MUSHROOM instrument that will be built as part of the Endeavour programme.
What does a typical day in your graduate role look like?
It varies! As I'm starting this new rotation, I'm spending a lot of time on Solid Edge (CAD software) and looking at design documents as I get to grips with MUSHROOM. There might be meetings with different groups at ISIS, to work on understanding the different requirements of the design. I'll normally also dedicate a bit of time each day to other projects, like the Engineering Experience Programme.
Have you done a placement/ internship before? If yes, how has that helped?
I hadn't done a placement at STFC before, but I did do a summer placement at Renishaw. I worked in their medical devices group, so while the actual engineering was quite different to what I'm doing now, it really helped me understand the engineering design process and the more practical aspects of being an engineer.
What's been the most rewarding part so far?
I was a mentor on the Engineering Experience Programme (EEP) last year! You work as a team with other early careers staff to help a group of sixth-form students with an engineering project. It's really rewarding to see the students gain confidence and develop their skills throughout the project, and it's great experience of running a project and managing a team that you never normally get so early in your career. I enjoyed it so much I'm now running the programme for this year!
What advice would you give to new graduates starting their careers?
You'll probably hear this from a lot of people, but that's because it's good advice – take every opportunity you can! Some of my most enjoyable moments from the scheme so far have been from volunteering for things outside of my main responsibilities, like EEP and taking on work experience students.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to stay active and explore new places! I play tennis and try to get a game in with friends whenever the sun's out. I like to go on a ski trip at least once a year and travel as much as possible. I have also recently started pilates as there are free classes on campus!
Enock Okornoe
Graduate Electrical Design Engineer
Enock designs and documents electrical systems that support the operation of scientific instruments at ISIS. This includes producing electrical drawings and specifications, selecting and integrating equipment such as control hardware, and carrying out design risk assessments.
What does a typical day in your graduate role look like?
A typical day can be quite varied. It largely depends on the projects I have going at each moment in time. I might spend the morning developing electrical schematics in AutoCAD or updating technical documentation. They can be followed by project meetings with engineers or scientists to review progress. I usually find time to seek technical advice or support from my line managers when required. Afternoons, I usually delve into control systems as I love to have more than one different project running at a time. I work on any control systems project I have going on. This would also usually involve any related technical drawings and documentation. At the end of the day, I like to plan tasks for the next day.
Have you done a placement/ internship before? If yes, how has that helped?
Yes, I completed a graduate placement as an Electrical Engineer at Excitation and Engineering Services Ltd., and I also worked as an Automation and Control Systems Engineer in Ghana for my National Service. I did a few other internships during my summer holidays as well. These roles gave me practical exposure to electrical design, testing, and commissioning, which has been invaluable in my current role.
What's been the most rewarding part so far?
The most rewarding part, apart from complete full lifecycle designs, has been seeing my design work contribute to real facility upgrades. For example, working on the Nina choke cooling system and knowing that my contributions will improve safety and reliability for the facility is very fulfilling. The Nina Choke plays an extremely vital role in the operation of ISIS. It is a very rewarding feeling knowing you're contributing to solving real-life problems.
What advice would you give to new graduates starting their careers?
Like the saying goes, “the squeaky engine gets the oil". My only advice would be to not be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, the more you know. Graduate roles are designed to teach you and help you grow wholistically as a professional, so don't hesitate to ask questions.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy watching football and playing video games. I also enjoy reading about energy systems to know of latest innovations. I volunteer at workshops when I can to help share knowledge with students. The most recent one was a webinar on technical paper writing for Engineering students at KTU in Ghana where I served as the guest speaker.
Srija Ray
Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer
Srija’s role undergoes rotations in different sections but involves designing parts for the ISIS instrument upgrades or equipment for experiments that are created liaising with scientists.
What does a typical day in your graduate role look like?
My day-to-day job can look quite different depending on the project I am working on. Largely it involves making designs on CAD, performing calculations to ensure these designs won't fail, procuring parts or sending designs off for manufacturing and communicating design decisions to stakeholders. It can also involve reading papers and scientific research, especially when scientists are conducting unique experiments or participating in tests of equipment.
Have you done a placement/ internship before? If yes, how has that helped?
I did a couple of internships during the summers of my degree – one was with one of my professors, and another was in an aerospace company. Both were useful in different ways; my internship with my professor taught me how to write scientifically, and my time in the aerospace company taught me how to work within large organisations and within an Agile working environment.
What's been the most rewarding part so far?
It's been really rewarding seeing my designs go from concepts and ideas to a manufactured functioning part that I can see and hold. I've always enjoyed the tangible aspects of engineering, and I enjoy this so much more because it's aiding scientific research. So much of the work we do is so unique and challenging in its own way, and no two days look the same in my job.
What advice would you give to new graduates starting their careers?
Say yes to interesting opportunities! There are many interesting projects and programs floating around the organisation, all of which can be fun to learn about or form connections through. Projects outside your standard job description can also help you to gain experience in areas that you may usually don't have a chance to work in, especially early in your career. This can help with your future career trajectory or any chartership application you may want to do.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Moving to a new town allowed me to continue some old hobbies as well as pick up some new ones! I picked up piano lessons again after stopping during university, and I've also been able to continue my karate training. Generally, I like switching my brain off technical things during my free time, so mostly I like spending time reading, painting, or whatever my craft of the week is! Also, I enjoy going to pub quizzes with my friends (with a pretty decent success rate!).
My own reflections
What makes ISIS stand out is not only the world-class research but also the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to be part of meaningful projects from day one. It’s a place where graduates can learn, contribute, and feel valued.
The graduates I spoke with , echoed these thoughts. They described their time here as full of opportunities, growth, and genuine enjoyment of the work. Their stories confirm what I’ve experienced myself , ISIS is more than a workplace , it’s a community where science and people thrive together.
