Higher Scientist

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom is seeking a Scientist/Engineer or Higher Scientist in Biofoundry Automation, based in Teddington. This full-time role sits within the Engineering Biology, Metrology and Standards programmes, contributing to reference materials, methods and datasets to improve reproducibility and traceability.

You will join a multidisciplinary team to develop AI-ready datasets, curate data, and deliver collaborative R&D projects across the UK and

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, physical or computer sciences.
• Solid knowledge of programming (Python, Java).
• Practical skills in machine learning, automated and robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop software to orchestrate workflows for DNA and cell engineering.
• Support data curation and machine-readable governance.
• Maintain and implement data interoperability for AI-ready datasets.
• Prepare technical data reports for publications and commercial contracts.
• Contribute to delivery of collaborative R&D projects in the UK and internationally.

Skills

Python

Java

Machine learning

Automated systems

Teamwork

Education

Engineering, physical or computer sciences degree

Job description

• NPL is seeking a Scientist/Engineer or Higher Scientist in Biofoundry Automation to supportthe UK Reference Biofoundry. Based in Teddington the post will be integrated within the NPL’s research programme and capabilities forEngineering Biology, Metrology, and StandardsincludingCryo-EM laboratories.

About the Role

This full-time Research Scientist job comes with a generous salary and benefits package.

You will join a multidisciplinary team developing reference materials, methods and datasets to address the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in Engineering Biology.

In your work at NPL, you will:

• Maintain and develop software to orchestrate workflowsfor DNA and cell engineering
• Support data curation and machine-readable governance
• Maintain and implement data interoperability for AI-ready datasets
• Prepare technical data reports for publications and commercial contracts
• Contribute to the delivery of collaborative R&D projects in the UK and internationally

About You

• With a degree in engineering, physical or computer sciences, you
• have a solid knowledge in programming and coding (Python, Java)
• possess practical skills in machine learning, automated and robotic systems
• demonstrate a customer focused attitude and a good team working ethos
• work following standard operating procedures and health and safety regulations Advantageous skills include experience :
• in high throughput analysis (DNA, cells), microfluidics and microarrays
• working in or with commercial companies or bio-foundries
• in single particle analysis, bioinformatics or omics

There will also be opportunities to develop and harness these skills in the NPL.

Research examples

Boeuf, A. et al. Nat Phys; Dondi, C., et al Nat Commun; Hoose, A, et al. Nat Rev Chem; Briones, A. et al iScience; Kepiro, I. et al. ACS Nano; De Santis, E. et al, Nat Commun

Industry case studies

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/supporting-the-uk-biotechnology-industry

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/optimising-viral-vaccine-development

https://www.npl.co.uk/case-studies/3d-bio-processor-technology-synthetic-biology

This role is being advertised across multiple salary zones. Offer and salary will be dependent on experience.

Recruitment and security

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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

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.