About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a permanent position as Higher Scientist in NPL’s world-leading Radiotherapy and Radiation Dosimetry group. As a Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research. 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.  

The Radiotherapy and Radiation Dosimetry group provide world-class research, calibrations, specialised measurement services and training for the dosimetry of ionising radiation in cancer therapy, industrial sterilisation of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and radiation protection. 

We are looking to recruit a talented physicist with significant experience in radiation therapy dosimetry to plan and deliver a variety of exciting research projects and measurement services that support the development of dosimetry for new and emerging radiotherapy techniques. This may include:
 
  • Support of primary standard measurements using graphite calorimeters in various radiotherapy modalities. 
  • The use of modelling techniques using Monte Carlo methods 
  • The development of tools and guidelines for clinical adoption of microdosimetry 
  • The development of measurement techniques and detectors for various radiotherapy modalities 
  • Presenting research results in the form of publications, reports and oral presentations at symposia and international conferences 
The successful applicant would assist in the development and delivery of a range of medical and radiation protection related measurement services for approximately 1/3 of their time. This would mainly be on-site at Teddington making use of our own state-of-the-art facilities, which include a clinical linac, theratron cobalt-60 irradiator and RayStation treatment planning system. On occasion it will involve work off-site at various clinical medical physics departments or in overseas centres. As well as delivery of measurement services the work will involve: 
 
  • Applying your expertise to solve customer challenges and help to grow our commercial business in this area 
  • Working closely with the radiotherapy community 
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. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

 

About You

To be successful in this Higher Scientist role, you should have a good first degree in the physical sciences and a relevant PhD and/or postgraduate experience. Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours.You must be willing to occasionally work offsite or abroad for limited periods of time. You will be encouraged to pursue continual professional development and to seek membership of the relevant professional bodies. 

Other requirements include excellent experimental skills, be highly computer literate, possess excellent written and oral presentation skills and demonstrate a strong attention to detail and adherence to the highest quality standards.Previous experience in a calibration laboratory or radiotherapy department would be an advantage, as would experience of Monte Carlo modelling. Familiarity with the use of X-ray sets, clinical linacs and associated imaging equipment, ionisation chambers and other radiation detectors is also highly desirable. You will be a team player, enthusiastic, conscientious, and a quick learner with excellent attention to detail. 

At NPL, 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. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry. 

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

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. 
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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