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- Tasks: Join us to conduct calibration processes and solve complex scientific challenges.
- Company: NPL is a leader in Air Quality research, making a global impact on environmental issues.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term role covering maternity leave; apply early as we review continuously.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement in science.
- Qualifications: A degree in physical science and lab experience are essential; strong data skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
You should hold a degree or higher qualification in a physical science or related discipline, with experience in applying scientific methods in a laboratory setting. Practical experience in scientific work, instrument calibration, working within a quality system, and attention to detail are highly desirable.
Strong data processing, critical judgment, and communication skills are essential. You should be capable of identifying and implementing process improvements and have a good understanding of data analysis methods and measurement uncertainty analysis.
As a Higher Scientist, you will be expected to acquire new knowledge and contribute to research solutions. You should also be proactive in identifying commercial opportunities arising from your work, which can lead to new products and services. At NPL, we value learning, respect, and teamwork, aiming to improve continuously for our colleagues and customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Sharing knowledge and mentoring less experienced colleagues.
- Developing partnerships to enhance capabilities.
- Acting as an external ambassador and promoting our work.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Independently conducting the full calibration process, including instrument receipt, setup, calibration, data analysis, and certificate production, in accordance with our quality system.
- Meeting external customer deadlines while ensuring safety and quality standards.
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives for measurement services.
- Following health and safety protocols, especially when handling chemicals and radioactive sources.
- Collaborating with the team to solve complex calibration challenges in airborne and aerosolized nanoparticle fields.
- Working at NPL Teddington and various air quality monitoring sites across southern England; willingness to work outdoors and drive in urban areas is required.
Additional Requirements:
- Current UK driving license.
- Ability to obtain BPSS security clearance.
Note: Applications are reviewed continually, and the closing date may be advanced. We encourage early applications.
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Higher Scientist - 12 Month MAT Cover employer: National Physical Laboratory
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Scientist - 12 Month MAT Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with NPL's Air Quality & Aerosol Metrology Group. Understanding their current projects and challenges will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the air quality sector. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and connect with current or former NPL employees on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience with instrument calibration and data analysis. Be ready to explain how you've implemented process improvements in previous roles, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the Higher Scientist position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly. This is crucial for mentoring colleagues and collaborating with teams, which are key aspects of the role at NPL.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Scientist - 12 Month MAT Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in physical sciences and laboratory settings. Emphasise any specific skills related to instrument calibration, data analysis, and quality systems that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and your understanding of the Air Quality sector. Mention how your background and skills can contribute to NPL's goals and your enthusiasm for advancing research in this field.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your practical experience in scientific work and any previous roles where you demonstrated strong data processing and critical judgment skills. Use specific examples to illustrate your capabilities.
Showcase Teamwork and Communication Skills: Since the role involves mentoring and collaboration, include examples of how you've successfully worked in teams and communicated complex ideas effectively. This will demonstrate your fit for the team-oriented culture at NPL.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in applying scientific methods in a laboratory setting. Highlight specific projects where you conducted instrument calibration or data analysis, as this will demonstrate your hands-on skills and understanding of the technical requirements for the role.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a strong focus on quality systems and measurement uncertainty analysis, be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured accuracy and precision in your previous work. This could include discussing any quality control measures you implemented or challenges you overcame.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss complex calibration challenges you've faced and how you approached solving them. This will show your critical judgment and ability to think on your feet, which are essential qualities for a Higher Scientist at NPL.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Communication Skills
As the role involves mentoring less experienced colleagues and collaborating with a team, be sure to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Discuss any partnerships you've developed and how you communicated complex scientific concepts to non-experts.