Higher Scientist - Underwater Acoustics

National Physical Laboratory; Teddington; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Teddington is seeking an Acoustical Higher Scientist to work in underwater acoustics. The role involves developing measurement techniques, delivering scientific work, and mentoring. Ideal candidates should have a graduate qualification in Physics or a related field, strong problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant software like Matlab. This position offers flexible working options to promote a great work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Opportunity for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in underwater acoustics or related fields.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment.
• Motivation and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop techniques for underwater acoustic measurement.
• Deliver measurement services and contribute to R&D projects.
• Share knowledge and mentor less experienced colleagues.

Skills

Understanding of underlying physical principles

Demonstrable experience in precise experimental work

Critical thinking and problem solving

Good communication skills

Education

Graduate qualification in Physics or Acoustics

Tools

Matlab

LabView

Job description

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Higher Scientist - Underwater Acoustics, Teddington

Client:

National Physical Laboratory

Location:

Teddington, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

7f9f4f6cf65b

Job Views:

9

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

Job Description:

About the Role

We have a permanent position for an Acoustical Higher Scientist to work in the Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group within the underwater acoustics area. We are looking for early career scientists and engineers, ideally with a graduate qualification in Physics, Acoustics or related discipline, with either experience in industry or academia or post-graduate qualification.

As an Acoustical Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research, requiring a careful, methodical approach and attention to detail. Also, if commercial opportunities arise from your work, you'll need to flag these – as this is how new products and services are born. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.

NPL is world-leading in this area of metrology, and has a suite of dedicated facilities including laboratory tanks and an acoustics pressure vessel. The successful candidates will join NPL at an exciting time of growth where there will be a great opportunity to maximise impact from high-quality science.

Your work will involve:

• developing improved techniques for underwater acoustic measurement and calibration utilising the above specialised laboratory facilities
• developing experimental techniques for acoustic measurement for delivery to customers and collaborators
• delivering NPL’s scientific work, including the delivery of measurement services and contributing to research and development projects
• the opportunity to contribute to scientific outputs through journal publications and scientific conferences.

In addition, the general duties and responsibilities of your role will include:

• Sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you
• Developing partnerships to strengthen our capability
• Acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do
• Providing technical support for any bids, we may be undertaking

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

We have a permanent position for an Acoustical Higher Scientist to work in the Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group within the underwater acoustics area. We are looking for early career scientists and engineers, ideally with a graduate qualification in Physics, Acoustics or related discipline, with either experience in industry or academia or post-graduate qualification.

As an Acoustical Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research, requiring a careful, methodical approach and attention to detail. Also, if commercial opportunities arise from your work, you'll need to flag these – as this is how new products and services are born. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.

NPL is world-leading in this area of metrology, and has a suite of dedicated facilities including laboratory tanks and an acoustics pressure vessel. The successful candidates will join NPL at an exciting time of growth where there will be a great opportunity to maximise impact from high-quality science.

Your work will involve:

• developing improved techniques for underwater acoustic measurement and calibration utilising the above specialised laboratory facilities
• developing experimental techniques for acoustic measurement for delivery to customers and collaborators
• delivering NPL’s scientific work, including the delivery of measurement services and contributing to research and development projects
• the opportunity to contribute to scientific outputs through journal publications and scientific conferences.

In addition, the general duties and responsibilities of your role will include:

• Sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you
• Developing partnerships to strengthen our capability
• Acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do
• Providing technical support for any bids, we may be undertaking

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

What you will bring to the role:

• Understanding of the underlying physical principles
• Demonstrable experience and track record for precise experimental work
• Aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving.
• Strong personal motivation, the ability to interact, collaborate and network with colleague’s collaborators and future customers
• Ability to work towards deadlines in a busy environment
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

It would be great if you did have:

• Knowledge of acoustics, marine acoustic technology
• Experienced in data analysis techniques
• Familiarity with systems engineering
• Experience with software packages such as Matlab and LabView

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of some of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others.