Principal Scientist - Underwater Acoustics

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27 Mar 2025
07 Mar 2025
Teddington, United Kingdom
All Locations is a required field
Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics
All Departments is a required field
Starting from £69,654 – dependant on experience
Permanent

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Principal Scientist - Underwater Acoustics

About the Role
Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.

NPL is looking for a senior expert in with demonstrable world leading experience in Underwater Acoustics to join us as a Principal Scientist. Research is what drives our business. And it will be up to you to develop and lead your team, setting your technical area’s strategic direction and ensuring your vision is delivered. When it comes to solutions, you don’t just rely on established methodologies. To get the results you seek, you’re willing to challenge what we do and how we do it, so that we’re expanding our capability. In doing so, you’ll be able to drive collaboration – internally and externally – to enhance activity and optimise commercial opportunities. Your passion for your work, means you already have a great network though which you’ll promote our work, representing NPL and speaking wherever you’re needed. As your work progresses, and new learnings established, you’ll make sure you bring the team with you – training and developing them so that they grow with us.

The responsibilities of the Principal Scientist within Underwater Acoustics will include:
Leading, designing and executing experimental and theoretical research including development of novel measurement tools and methods in support of current and future underwater acoustic applications

Creating a vision for the underwater acoustics in the Ultrasound & Underwater Acoustics Group, addressing UK government challenges for the underwater acoustics area

Playing a leading role on national and international standards committees, representing NPL and the UK at international meetings

Leading and fostering the team’s engagement with UK and overseas organisations (other National Metrology Institutes, UK Government, Academia and Commercial Customers) to maintain NPL position as a leading NMI in underwater acoustics

Responding to commercial and grant-based ITTs and obtaining research funding for this area aligned with NPL strategic priorities

Consulting and working in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to determine how NPL can provide support to improve the quality of methods and tools used for underwater acoustic applications, and develop tools and methods for future applications that require traceability

Working in partnership with other NPL departments, and collaborating across NPL to develop new opportunities and to develop new research and service opportunities including establishment of mutually beneficial collaborations and nurturing of existing partnerships

Planning and management of science portfolio, including development of project proposals, management of projects to achieve results in accordance with milestone schedules and within budget, and development of partnerships with other internal and external partners

Working with industry partners to establish formal collaborative agreements to create innovative, high-impact research programs, and transfer their successes directly to industry

The position will be based at NPL's Teddington site, involving occasional travel, such as Customer site visits, in situ measurements work and representing NPL at national and international meetings, conferences and events.
About You
To be successful in the role, you will be sought out and internationally respected by the underwater acoustics community for your expertise and have:

Proven experience winning, leading and conducting international research work with published articles in internationally recognised scientific journals

Experience leading national and international standards development, or a track record contributing to underwater acoustics standards

Track record developing and implementing technical solutions in underwater acoustics funded by the civil and/or defence sectors

Track record presenting results in the form of reports, manuscripts, oral presentations

Experience developing and executing business strategy to commercial and technical initiatives

Experience managing full life cycle of large scale research programs

Demonstrable experience leading and motivating scientific and technical staff

To lead and inspire a scientific team, not only will you need to be a leading expert in your field, you’ll also need experience of motivating a team. Inspirational, influential and a relationship builder, you have the scientific and commercial awareness to help NPL achieve our ambitions. Beyond that, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we’re always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don’t make things more complicated when there’s no need.
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 in this role at NPL, you will need to have an SC clearance, 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. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on 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 rewards, benefits and recognition. 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.