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- Tasks: Lead impactful research in optical radiation metrology for climate monitoring and earth observation.
- Company: Join NPL, the UK's National Metrology Institute, driving measurement innovation for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, hybrid work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding climate change while collaborating with diverse experts.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in optical radiation metrology; degree in Engineering or Science required.
- Other info: This is a fixed two-year term role with a mix of remote and office work.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Our world-leading Time & Frequency department seek an experienced and practicing Senior Scientist / Engineer.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will be joining our team at an exciting time – we maintain the UK’s National Time Scale, UTC (NPL), and are currently developing the UK\’s first resilient Time Scale facility that will underpin our Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This will address the risks associated with our dependency on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (such as GPS) that are vulnerable to both natural and intentional interference.
As Senior Scientist / Engineer, you will join a multi-disciplinary team of Scientists and Engineers in our National Timing Centre to develop novel Time and Frequency systems within the UK. You\’ll enjoy a pivotal role in creating robust systems for time and frequency measurement, based on Atomic Clocks located at several UK sites.
This role offers exciting opportunities to participate in other timing-related projects (e.g. working with the European Space Agency).
Key responsibilities
- Leading a team of ambitious Scientists and Engineers to deliver high-quality project outputs to time, quality and cost
- Design and implementation of hardware / software for state-of-the-art Time and Frequency measurement, systems including atomic clocks
- Collaborating with subject matter experts worldwide, to develop novel solutions
- Liaising with internal / external stakeholders to determine needs and tailor expert solutions
- Attendance of international conferences to keep abreast of the latest developments
ABOUT YOU
Reporting to a Principal Scientist, you’ll enjoy a pivotal role in the design of critical UK infrastructure that pushes the boundaries of measurement accuracy for the UK’s new resilient Time Scale.
Essential
- Experience in Time and Frequency measurement/Time scales
- A postgraduate degree or equivalent experience in physics, astronomy or a relevant field of engineering; such as satellite navigation systems (GNSS), SATCOM, communications or systems engineering.
- Software experience in scientific/engineering application (i.e. Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB).
- Team leadership
Advantageous
- Postgraduate experience in software development (such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB)
- Professional experience within an R&D or engineering environment
- Familiarity with using and 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
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
However, to work in this role in the Time & Frequency department, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
ABOUT US
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.
To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
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Senior Scientist employer: National Physical Laboratory
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of optical radiation metrology. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can meet current employees or industry leaders. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in low-temperature physics and cryogenic radiometry. Being well-versed in current research and technologies will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous project experiences in detail, especially those involving collaboration with industrial companies or national measurement institutes. Highlighting your ability to lead teams and deliver impactful results will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex scientific concepts in simple terms. This is crucial for influencing both technical and non-technical audiences, which is a key requirement for the role. Practising this skill can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in optical radiation metrology, low-temperature physics, and cryogenic radiometry. Emphasise your leadership roles and any projects you've delivered in collaboration with industrial companies or research bodies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your passion for earth observation and climate monitoring. Discuss how your background aligns with the NPL's mission and how you can contribute to their scientific leadership and research goals.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver impactful research. Use quantifiable results where possible to showcase your contributions to previous projects.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to your expertise in optical quantities and measurement data. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you've applied them in past roles, especially in laboratory settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in optical radiation metrology, particularly in areas like low-temperature physics and cryogenic radiometry. Highlight specific projects you've worked on and the impact they had on the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role requires scientific leadership, be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring others and ensuring adherence to best practices in scientific methods.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. This will showcase your excellent communication skills and ability to build stakeholder relationships.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem definition and solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've faced in your previous roles and how you approached them, focusing on the outcomes and lessons learned.
