Senior Scientist

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

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Senior Scientist for its Optical Radiation Metrology Group in Teddington. This role involves leading high-impact research and commercial services in optical measurements critical to earth observation and climate monitoring, requiring extensive experience and technical expertise. Ideal candidates will possess a strong academic background and a proven track record in optical radiation metrology, demonstrating leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience at a National Metrology Institute in optical radiation metrology.
• Experience in project collaboration with industries, academic institutions, and research bodies.
• Ability to deliver scientific strategy and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful, high-quality research and commercial services.
• Provide scientific leadership in optical radiation metrology.
• Lead laboratory work while ensuring adherence to best practices.

Skills

Commitment to Health, Safety, and Quality

Leading teams of scientists

Strong laboratory skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Technical business development skills

Problem definition and solving skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or Science discipline

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

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NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join our team in Teddington. The NPL Optical Radiation Metrology Group spearheads global initiatives to improve the quality and reliability of measurement data for Earth observation and climate monitoring. Additionally, we provide precise and reliable SI-traceable data to industries where understanding optical radiometric quantities is crucial.

In the field of earth observation, precise measurements of optical quantities play a key role in collecting reliable data. These measurements help us continuously improve our understanding of climate change, track environmental shifts, and inform our assessment of the overall health of our planet. Our group has expertise in absolute radiometry based around low-temperature physics and cryogenic radiometry, a foundational discipline that ensures SI-traceable calibration of optical sensors with utmost accuracy and precision. Our active research programme aims to develop ambient-temperature absolute radiometry supporting our work in primary spectral responsivity. We also provide commercial services to industries, granting access to our specialised knowledge.

We are now looking for a highly experienced scientist to contribute to the scientific leadership of the group to help our scientists achieve maximum impact for the earth observation and climate monitoring industries. This role includes delivering impactful, high-quality research and commercial services within agreed time, cost, and quality parameters.

This role is offered for a fixed two-year term, in either a full-time or flexible working pattern. We operate in a hybrid manner, with a mix of remote and office work.

About You

You will be a highly experienced scientist with a proven track record (minimum 5 years) of working at a National Metrology Institute (NMI) in optical radiation metrology areas such as low-temperature physics, cryogenic radiometry, predictable quantum efficiency detectors, absolute radiometry, and primary spectral responsivity.

A key aspect of the role is providing scientific leadership within these areas, while also sharing knowledge across other parts of the group. You should be comfortable leading laboratory-based work, ensuring adherence to best practices in scientific methods, quality, and health and safety. You will need to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team from diverse backgrounds.

The role requires a relevant academic qualification at least at degree level, ideally a Master’s or PhD in an Engineering or Science discipline.

Experience in scoping and delivering projects in collaboration with industrial companies, academic institutions, research bodies, and national measurement institutes is essential. You should be able to discuss the impact of your work effectively.

In addition to technical skills, the following are essential:

• Commitment to Health, Safety, and Quality
• Experience in leading teams of scientists
• Strong laboratory skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences and build stakeholder relationships
• Technical business development skills
• Ability to define and deliver scientific strategy
• Strong problem definition and solving skills