Scientist

Whether you’re talking about length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount or the brightness of light, the National Physical Laboratory sets the standards by which these things are all measured. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too. 

Research is at the heart of all we do. In this vital role, you’ll help carry out a variety of technical activities that will help us resolve problems we’ve identified, to achieve positive outcomes.

It’s very much a team effort. And whilst there’ll be a number of pre-determined activities, we’ll expect you to be proactive too – spotting commercial opportunities along the way.

It’s also important that you strive to deepen your subject matter knowledge, sharing this as you go so that everyone benefits – championing your work and its importance.  All of which you’ll complete on time, within budget and to the highest standards.  

NPL has leading radiation thermometry facilities operating from approximately -40 °C to 3000 °C as well as expertise and novel techniques for solving temperature measurement problems in a wide range of sectors.

Current research activities range from the development of ground-breaking thermal imaging hardware and physically based ray tracing software to solving temperature measurement challenges in a diverse range of applications, such as testing of satellites and space-craft before launch, condition monitoring and inspection of nuclear waste storage and improving fever screening for pandemic preparedness.

You will be part of a highly motivated team responsible for maintaining, developing and putting to use state-of-the-art facilities, products and services for non-contact (infrared radiation) thermometry and thermal imaging.  You will be delivering calibration services at the highest quality, carrying out applied research and providing technical solutions to customer challenges in a variety of temperature-related fields. 

The successful candidate will require:

• Degree in Physics (minimum upper second class)
• Practical lab-based skills and the ability to work independently on laboratory tasks
• Excellent communication and team working skills
• Highly diligent and good attention to detail
• Able to analyse and process data 

• A good knowledge of electronics and optics
• Experience with imaging systems, such as astronomy or photography
• Programming experience with Python and C++ is advantageous, in particular around numerical computing, data and image processing

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security clearance.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here -The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.