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: Encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and offering guaranteed interviews for disabled candidates.
- 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 50000 - 70000 £ 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)
At the National Physical Laboratory, we pride ourselves on being a world-leading centre of excellence in measurement science and engineering. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering employees the chance to lead cutting-edge projects while engaging with global experts. With a strong commitment to diversity and equality, we provide a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to the UK's technological advancements.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at National Physical Laboratory (NPL), you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at National Physical Laboratory (NPL). This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to drive research projects forward.
