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Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

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Innovative environment with passionate colleagues, but feels slow - Anonymous employee Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Employee Review

4.0
May 13, 2026
Anonymous intern
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Cutting-edge science, dedicated and passionate people

Cons

Can feel like slow work

Explore other reviews about Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

1.0
Nov 1, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Annual leave plus bank holidays Employer's pensuon contribution

Cons

Ineffictive higher leadership Bad leads/managers

4.0
Mar 1, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

From a researcher point of view, STFC is an excellent workplace. It's a world-renowned laboratory in the fields of photon, neutron and muon sciences, biosciences, particle physics, high-powered lasers and space sciences. The atmosphere is informal, there is a very large amount of seminars and training available to improve your knowledge in technical subjects. Office space is not cramped (usually 2 scientists per office). The IT infrastructure is fulfilling my needs. The canteen at the site usually serves tasty and good quality food. I grade the bureaucracy at STFC as the best one I encountered so far in the different laboratories I worked in: procedures were well organized and administrative staff was efficient and helpful.

Cons

RAL is located in Harwell Campus. The site is in the middle of the countryside, far from larger cities, the largest town nearby being Didcot. If you wish to live in larger, more active, cities you'll need to commute with a trip time around 30-40min from Oxford, 40-50min from Reading or 1:20-1:40 from London. The career advancement opportunities inside STFC are somewhat limited.

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