Higher Scientist - Time and Frequency

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the UK is seeking a Higher Scientist in the Time & Frequency department, bringing proven expertise in scientific data analyses and applied physics. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to national timekeeping and precision timing initiatives.

You will design, implement, and operate atomic clocks, evaluate fountain clock accuracy, and analyse data to steer local and international time scales.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in physics, electronic engineering or related field.
• Experience with practical experiments in atomic, molecular or optical areas.
• Experience with instrumentation or electronics development.
• Software development using Python and LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

• Design, implementation and operation of atomic clocks.
• Systematic evaluation of fountain clock accuracy.
• Apply specialist knowledge to solve challenging technical problems.
• Analyse and prepare data for steering local and international time scales.
• Support activities across the department in other areas of timing.

Skills

Python

LabVIEW

Instrumentation development

Atomic physics experiments

Education

PhD in physics/electronic engineering or related field

Tools

Test & measurement instrumentation

RF/microwave engineering

Job description

Our world-leading Time & Frequency department is seeking a Higher Scientist with proven expertise in scientific data analyses and applied physics.

About the Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the global authority in precision timing at a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure.

Backed by a government investment of £180 million in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme, we are developing a world-first resilient time distribution capability that will provide industry with a robust complement to satellite systems (such as GPS) – which are increasingly vulnerable to disruption from solar storms, jamming and spoofing.

You’ll be developing and operating atomic fountain clocks, which are at the heart of the UK’s national timescale, UTC (NPL). Our caesium fountains are among the most accurate in the world. We also build primary fountain clocks for timing labs across the world and are developing a new compact cold atom clock.

You will enjoy contributing to the improvement of performance and reliability of caesium fountain clocks, and to develop novel devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implementation and operation of atomic clocks
• Systematic evaluation of fountain clock accuracy
• Apply specialist knowledge to solve challenging technical problems
• Analyse and prepare data for steering local and international time scales
• Support activities across the department in other areas of timing

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential

• PhD (or equivalent) experience in physics, electronic engineering or a related field
• Previous experience with practical experiments in the atomic, molecular, or optical area
• Experience of instrumentation or electronics development
• Software development (such as Python and Labview)

Desirable

• Experience with lasers and optics, and the use of test and measurement instrumentation
• Proficiency in electronics, instrumentation development and RF/microwave engineering
• Experience with vacuum and/or cryogenic systems
• Statistical techniques for manipulating time series data

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.

However, to work in this role in The Quantum and Timing business unit, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC 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. 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.