• Careers Site Advertising End Date
    12 Jun 2026
  • Internal Advertising End Date
    12 Jun 2026
  • All Locations
    Teddington, United Kingdom
  • All Departments
    Chemical and Biological Sciences
  • Advertising Salary:
    £30,644 Competitive + Benefits
  • Vacancy Type
    Permanent
  • About the Role

  • NPL is seeking an experienced Higher Scientist/Scientist to join our Surface Technology Group, where our experts collaborate with academia, industry and partners to advance measurement science and enable innovation. Our team develops the underpinning standards, testing methods and characterisation techniques that industry relies on to manufacture reliable products. As we are recruiting across different levels, we will consider applications from candidates with varied experience. Offer and salary will depend on experience. 

    The Surface Technology Group at NPL has well established expertise in chemical analysis and nanomaterials metrology. We are involved in national and international projects which focus on the development of measurement methods in support of a broad range of industrial sectors, from energy storage and aerospace to pharmaceuticals and new vaccines. 


    Advanced materials are increasingly used in innovative products and provide enhanced, unique properties of great commercial and societal value. The development, manufacturing, quality control and regulatory compliance of these products rely on measurement technology that is continuously innovating and expanding. We work collaboratively to ensure this technology is robust, validated and standardised.  

  • About You

  • We are looking for a motivated and collaborative researcher with a strong background in material or polymer science and a passion for measurement science. You will have hands-on experience in experimental work and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

    You should have:

    • A solid understanding of advanced measurement techniques, ideally including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and/or Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
    • A keen interest in applying these techniques to solve real-world industrial challenges is essential.
    • Candidates should hold an MSc (for Scientist level) or a PhD (for Higher Scientist level) in a relevant discipline such as materials science, polymers or chemistry.
    • Experience in a laboratory or industrial research environment would be advantageous.
    • Strong communication skills are important, as you will be expected to present your work in peer-reviewed publications and at conferences, as well as engage effectively with external partners and stakeholders.
    • You will also have an interest in contributing to the development of standards and delivering high-quality technical solutions that support industry and innovation.

     

  • About Us

  • 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. 

    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 hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see 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 benefits. 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. 


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