Senior Scientist - Underwater Acoustics

National Physical Laboratory; Teddington; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Teddington is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist in Underwater Acoustics to lead innovative research and develop advanced acoustic modeling techniques. The role offers flexibility with hybrid working options, focusing on impactful scientific contributions and international collaborations. Ideal candidates will possess strong expertise in ocean acoustics, effective communication skills, and a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar Scientist role with a significant scientific profile.
• Able to communicate clearly in reports and proposals.
• Experience in supporting and developing junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Leading cutting-edge research and identifying commercially viable aspects.
• Developing improved acoustic modelling techniques.
• Contributing to collaborative research projects nationally and internationally.

Skills

Scientific understanding of ocean acoustics

Problem-solving skills

Experience in software development for acoustic modelling

Networking ability

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate or post-graduate qualification in Physics or Acoustics

Tools

Software for acoustic propagation

Finite element modelling software

Job description

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Senior Scientist - Underwater Acoustics, Teddington

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Client:

National Physical Laboratory

Location:

Teddington, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

6e198b215ec0

Job Views:

8

Posted:

25.08.2025

Expiry Date:

09.10.2025

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Job Description:

About the Role

NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join our Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group in Teddington.

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

As a Senior Scientist at NPL, your role will involve:

• Leading cutting-edge research, recognising aspects that could be commercially viable
• Developing improved acoustic modelling techniques to augment measurements made utilising NPL’s specialised laboratory facilities
• Developing improved data analysis techniques for experimental data derived from ocean acoustic measurements
• contributing to collaborative research projects with NPL’s partners, both nationally and internationally
• leading the technical work of NPL projects, including preparation of project proposals and supervising and guiding the work of more junior staff
• the opportunity to contribute to scientific output through journal publications and conferences, and to represent the UK on technical standards committees.
• Representing NPL to promote our work and raise our profile
• Crafting winning bids, in line with NPL’s growth strategy
• Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities
• Presenting NPL’s work at conferences and in scientific papers

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

About the Role

NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join our Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group in Teddington.

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

As a Senior Scientist at NPL, your role will involve:

Leading cutting-edge research, recognising aspects that could be commercially viable

Developing improved acoustic modelling techniques to augment measurements made utilising NPL’s specialised laboratory facilities

Developing improved data analysis techniques for experimental data derived from ocean acoustic measurements

contributing to collaborative research projects with NPL’s partners, both nationally and internationally

leading the technical work of NPL projects, including preparation of project proposals and supervising and guiding the work of more junior staff

the opportunity to contribute to scientific output through journal publications and conferences, and to represent the UK on technical standards committees.

Representing NPL to promote our work and raise our profile

Crafting winning bids, in line with NPL’s growth strategy

Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities

Presenting NPL’s work at conferences and in scientific papers

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

As a Senior Scientist, youwill play key role in delivering NPL’s scientific work, contributing to research and development projects, requiring a careful, methodical approach and attention to detail.

What you will bring to the role:

Proven experience in a similar Scientist role, well-established in the field with a significant scientific profile

Demonstrable scientific understanding of ocean acoustics and marine acoustic technology

Graduate or post-graduate qualification in Physics or Acoustics or a related discipline

Able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in technical reports and proposals

Experience in supporting and developing junior members of the team

In-depth understanding of the underlying physical principles, and the ability to problem solve and propose appropriate technical solutions

Experience in developing software for finite element modelling, acoustic propagation and data analysis

Ability to problem solve and propose appropriate technical solutions

A demonstrated capability for mathematical modelling

Ability to interact and network with collaborators and future customers

Ability to work to deadlines within a team

Have an awareness of the industry and business

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.