Scientist

Scientist

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to design and implement advanced time measurement systems.
  • Company: Join the National Physical Laboratory, a leader in measurement science.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diversity is celebrated; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology that shapes the future.
  • Qualifications: Experience in time measurement and a relevant post-graduate degree.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our world‑leading Time & Frequency department seeks an experienced and practising Senior Scientist / Engineer to join the national time distribution capability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of scientists and engineers to deliver high‑quality project outputs on time, to quality and cost goals.
  • Design and implement hardware and software for state‑of‑the‑art time and frequency measurement systems, including atomic clocks.
  • Collaborate with subject‑matter experts worldwide to develop novel solutions.
  • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to determine needs and tailor expert solutions.
  • Attend international conferences to remain abreast of the latest developments.

About You

Reporting to a Principal Scientist, you’ll design UK Digital Infrastructure that pushes the boundaries of measurement accuracy for the UK’s new resilient time scale.

Essential Qualifications

  • Experience in time and frequency measurement / time scales.
  • Post‑graduate degree or equivalent experience in physics, astronomy or a relevant field of engineering such as GNSS, SATCOM, communications or systems engineering.
  • Software experience in scientific/engineering applications (Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB).
  • Team management experience.

Advantageous Qualifications

  • Post‑graduate experience in software development.
  • Professional experience within an R&D or engineering environment.
  • Familiarity with interfacing electronic equipment with computers and an interest in lab work.
  • Knowledge and experience of SATCOM, optical fibre, and GNSS‑based systems.
  • Experience in atmospheric propagation of radio / microwave signals or space science systems.

Security Requirements

To work in this role you must have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or the ability to obtain one. BPSS security clearance may be required for other positions.

Equal Opportunity

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, welcoming applications from all candidates irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age. Applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates are especially encouraged. Qualified disabled candidates will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

About NPL

The National Physical Laboratory is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin the prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

Scientist employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is an exceptional employer that prioritises a strong security culture and offers a collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. With a commitment to employee growth, NPL provides tailored training programmes and opportunities for professional development, ensuring you can thrive in your role as a Security Culture Lead & Behavioral Change Strategist. Located in a vibrant area, NPL also fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

Contact Details:

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Scientist

Time and Frequency Measurement
Project Management
Team Leadership
Hardware Design
Software Development (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB)
Collaboration with Subject-Matter Experts
Stakeholder Liaison