We have a permanent position for an Acoustical Higher Scientist to work in the Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group within the underwater acoustics area. We are looking for early career scientists and engineers, ideally with a graduate qualification in Physics, Acoustics or related discipline, with either experience in industry or academia or post-graduate qualification.

As an Acoustical Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research, requiring a careful, methodical approach and attention to detail. Also, if commercial opportunities arise from your work, you'll need to flag these – as this is how new products and services are born. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.

NPL is world-leading in this area of metrology, and has a suite of dedicated facilities including laboratory tanks and an acoustics pressure vessel. The successful candidates will join NPL at an exciting time of growth where there will be a great opportunity to maximise impact from high-quality science.

Your work will involve:

• developing improved techniques for underwater acoustic measurement and calibration utilising the above specialised laboratory facilities
• developing experimental techniques for acoustic measurement for delivery to customers and collaborators
• delivering NPL’s scientific work, including the delivery of measurement services and contributing to research and development projects
• the opportunity to contribute to scientific outputs through journal publications and scientific conferences.

What you will bring to the role:

• Understanding of the underlying physical principles
• Demonstrable experience and track record for precise experimental work
• Aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving.
• Strong personal motivation, the ability to interact, collaborate and network with colleague’s collaborators and future customers
• Ability to work towards deadlines in a busy environment
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written. 

It would be great if you did have:

• Knowledge of acoustics, marine acoustic technology
• Experienced in data analysis techniques
• Familiarity with systems engineering
• Experience with software packages such as Matlab and LabView

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of some of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others.

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.