Higher Scientist - Microcombs in Teddington

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Higher Scientist to join our team. We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work-life balance - if you are looking for full-time, part-time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible.

You will be joining our team at an exciting time – we are leading the national effort to develop compact and chip-based microresonator-based frequency combs, or microcombs.

Microcombs are a game-changer in:

• Astronomy
• Health monitoring
• Explosives detection
• Telecoms
• Lidar and radar
• Gravity sensing with portable optical clocks

As Higher Scientist, you’ll play a pivotal role at the forefront of bringing these remarkable new technologies to fruition. You’ll enjoy collaborating with prominent scientists and engineers at our state-of-the-art laboratories, to commercialise microcombs and incorporate them into exciting new technologies such as portable optical clocks and handheld real-time multispecies trace detectors based on dual-comb spectroscopy.

This role provides the opportunity to publish your work in high-impact academic journals and present it at prestigious international conferences, contributing to a rapidly growing field of research.

Key responsibilities:

• Contributing to world-leading science and development of disruptive technologies
• Sharing your learnings
• Developing new and existing partnerships with academia and industry
• Acting as an ambassador for our work externally and promoting our capabilities

About You

We believe that diversity and unique perspectives are key to the success of our science projects. For this role, we particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in STEM disciplines, in particular women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates.

Reporting to a Senior Scientist, you’ll enjoy responsibility for the development of chip-based microcombs and their applications. You’ll utilise your analytical and technical skills to contribute toward achieving a self-referenced frequency comb on a chip, as well as chip-based dual-comb spectroscopy, which push the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit technology.

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential:

• PhD or equivalent in experimental physics with a focus on optics
• 2-3 years of recent experience designing and building your own experimental setups involving lasers, optical components and optical and electronic test equipment
• Recording, analysing and disseminating data
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts
• Team player with a proactive, never-fail attitude in the face of ambiguous situations

Highly desirable:

• Programming, particularly in Python and LabVIEW
• Simulating optical modes, using COMSOL or Lumerical
• Experience with simulating non-linear optical processes, such as microcomb or supercontinuum generation
• Experience with designing and building electronic circuits, particularly for RF
• Familiarity with integrated microphotonics fabrication techniques
• Experience with CAD, preferably using SolidWorks

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 possible.

About Us

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. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security clearance.

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.

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.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.