Senior Scientist - Radar Altimetry or SAR specialist

The Climate and Earth Observation (CEO) group at NPL is a world leader in the theory, methods, and practice of metrological (measurement science) traceability of Earth Observation (EO) instrumentation and their data products. CEO projects cover the metrology and quality assurance of satellite data products – from the pre-flight calibration and onboard processing to the higher-level data products providing essential climate variables and other societal datasets. We also develop in-situ fiducial reference measurement (FRM) techniques for calibration and validation of satellite data products. We collaborate strongly with other teams within NPL, especially the Data Science team, and externally with a wide range of collaborators. 

Our research programme in active satellite sensors (radar altimeters and related technologies) is growing rapidly, with recently won projects looking at the uncertainty assessment and characterisation metrics for radar altimetry (including both the altimeter and the microwave radiometer) on Copernicus Sentinel 6, Sentinel 3, and CRISTAL missions, along with the development of suitable FRMs, for oceans, inland water, sea ice and land ice surfaces. We have also recently started projects that consider how observational uncertainties can be used in Earth systems modelling.  We are looking to expand our efforts with such active sensors, and to develop new capability relating to SAR-mode processing (fully focused and interferometric) of radar altimeters. Additionally, we are keen to explore the metrological aspects of SAR itself, especially where SAR observations are complementary to our active research projects on vegetation and Nature Based Solutions. 

We are looking for a candidate with extensive experience in satellite radar altimetry and/or SAR data, with an interest in metrology and an understanding of various stages of data collection and processing. The successful candidate will work, with the existing team and in collaboration with external project partners, on existing projects relating to radar altimetry data over oceans, inland water, sea ice and land ice surfaces, and would be expected to develop their own research programme to expand these efforts in one or more of those directions and/or into SAR. We are looking for someone with a deep curiosity in how the instruments work and how the data are processed, and who is flexible enough to jump from a discussion on the orbit characteristics for Sentinel 6 to a discussion on suitable FRMs for sea ice thickness measurements. The job will cover a wide range of active satellite sensor topics, and we realise that candidates may have more specialist experience initially. There will be an opportunity to develop scientific knowledge as part of the role. 

This role is a senior scientific leadership position and would involve line management and coaching of junior scientists, as well as representing NPL in international committees and at conferences. While there is some existing research funding, the role will also involve building partnerships and consortia and bidding for further research, thus providing an opportunity for the successful candidate to tailor the activity and their career, while building on the firm metrological foundation associated with NPL.  

Typical Tasks:  

• Working as part of a strong and growing team, cooperating with internal, external, and international partners. 

• Carrying out relevant scientific research, initially on existing projects. Producing software and analyses. Writing and reviewing technical documentation and scientific publications. 

• Supporting the development and mentoring of more junior scientists, including line management and recruitment. 

• Finding opportunities for and leading development of technical proposals to meet bid requirements that are consistent with the NPL strategy, and which follow NPL formal procedures.  

• Assuming responsibility for the standard of delivery of work by scientists in your area of specialist technical knowledge and working in accordance with the NPL quality system. 

• Providing leadership, co-ordination and expertise in radar altimetry and/or SAR. 

Person specification 

• Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or similar subject. PhD (or equivalent research experience) in relevant field preferred. 

• 6+ years’ experience in working with data from active satellite sensors or other radar systems. Experience in passive microwave radiometry also considered to contribute to this experience. We recognise that the candidate will need to develop broader experience as part of the role, so we are looking for people with strong existing knowledge in some aspects of radar systems and a clear willingness to broaden (and deepen) that knowledge. 

• Good understanding of the metrological principles of uncertainty analysis and a keen interest in the details of how instruments work and data are processed. 

• Strong mathematical and collaborative scientific programming skills in Python or similar languages and use of cloud computing resources. 

• Effective communication skills and collaborative approach with other senior scientists. 

You will be expected to travel to international locations for conferences and to meet customers in the UK and abroad.