Higher Scientist - Biomedical Optics in Teddington

Higher Scientist - Biomedical Optics in Teddington

Teddington Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
National Physical Laboratory

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop advanced optical methods for biological imaging and sensing.
  • Company: Join NPL's Biometrology group, a leader in innovative research.
  • Benefits: Generous salary, benefits package, and opportunities for personal development.
  • Other info: Dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with ample skill development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in biomedical optics and collaborate with diverse experts.
  • Qualifications: PhD in biomedical optics or equivalent experience required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

NPL’s Biometrology group is seeking an experienced postdoctoral researcher for a Higher Scientist in Biomedical Optics based in Teddington to plan and deliver a number of technical activities to take our research to the next level. This full‑time position comes with a generous salary and benefits package. The group is a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists and engineers developing innovative materials and methods in response to the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in biological R&D. If you have a background in optics for biological imaging or sensing, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Your focus will be on the design, development and application of advanced light microscopy techniques (including multiphoton and super‑resolution fluorescence methods) for analysing the properties of biological systems – from biological macromolecules to multicellular systems. Key application areas include quantum technologies for life sciences and healthcare (e.g., imaging and spectroscopy using entangled photons), opto‑/magnetogenetics, live cell imaging and analysis of complex in‑vitro models. You will also have opportunities to engage with other areas of the group’s activity as appropriate.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and test advanced optical methods for biological imaging and sensing, using both classical and quantum light.
  • Design and perform biological imaging and sensing studies to the highest metrological standards.
  • Develop computational methods for visualising and analysing biological image data.
  • Work across scientific disciplines with other NPL groups and external collaborators (academia, industry, and international partners) to design and deliver a range of R&D projects.
  • Prepare technical reports and disseminate results in the form of scientific papers and conference presentations.
  • Work within collaborative teams and closely with colleagues and partners to develop commercial opportunities.

The role is for a highly motivated, collaborative, and collegiate individual who displays initiative, excellent problem‑solving skills, and is committed to personal development as a scientist. With a PhD (or equivalent experience) in biomedical optics, you will have practical skills and experience in the development and use of advanced optical and electronic hardware; practical skills and experience in visualisation, processing and analysis of biological image data; a good understanding of optical imaging techniques for bioanalysis; good written and verbal communication skills; an ability to work as part of a team in a multidisciplinary research environment. Desirable skills and experience include one or more of: quantum optics, optogenetics, multiphoton and advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques. There will be ample opportunities to develop new skills in the group.

Additional responsibilities and expectations

  • As a Higher Scientist, you’ll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research.
  • If commercial opportunities arise from your work, you will work with colleagues to develop new products and services.
  • At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.
  • Other responsibilities will include: sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you; developing partnerships to strengthen our capability; acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do; providing technical support for any bids we may be undertaking.

In return for your knowledge and expertise, you’ll receive a favourable salary and benefits package. 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.

Higher Scientist - Biomedical Optics in Teddington employer: National Physical Laboratory

NPL is an exceptional employer for those passionate about advancing biomedical optics, offering a collaborative and multidisciplinary work culture in Teddington. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to engage in innovative research, develop new skills, and contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Join us to be part of a team that values knowledge sharing and personal development, making a meaningful difference in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

National Physical Laboratory

Contact Details:

National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Higher Scientist - Biomedical Optics in Teddington

Get Involved in Local Research Communities

Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!

Leverage University Alumni Networks

If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like National Physical Laboratory. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!

Show Off Your Projects

Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like National Physical Laboratory!

We think you need these skills to ace Higher Scientist - Biomedical Optics in Teddington

Optical Imaging Techniques
Advanced Light Microscopy Techniques
Multiphoton Microscopy
Super-Resolution Fluorescence Methods
Biological Imaging and Sensing
Quantum Optics
Optogenetics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show National Physical Laboratory that you have the hands-on skills they need.

Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at National Physical Laboratory.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that National Physical Laboratory does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.

Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory

Brush Up on Lab Techniques

Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at National Physical Laboratory. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.

Know Your Bioinformatics Tools

Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.

Show Your Teamwork Skills

Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into National Physical Laboratory's culture.

Research Recent Biotech Innovations

Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at National Physical Laboratory. This shows your passion for the industry!