25 Jul 2025
25 Jul 2025
Teddington, United Kingdom
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Thermal & Radiometric Metrology
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Salary starting from £30,644 - dependent on experience
Permanent

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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.

The Optical Radiometric Metrology group uses analytical and problem-solving skills on a variety of topics related to optical radiometry, including those feeding into some of the biggest earth observation challenges.

Based at our Teddington site, you'll acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research, work to develop commercial solutions and generally advance NPL’s mission to provide the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life.

Your particular focus will be on the characterisation and calibration of optical detectors that underpin our research through delivery of impactful, high-quality science, and leadership of commercial services to agreed time, cost and quality.

This is a permanent role based at Teddington but there will be opportunities for hybrid working when this meets our business needs.
About You
This role requires a degree or higher qualification, or equivalent, in Physics, Maths or an optics related field. A background in optical radiometry would be advantageous.

You will have or be able to:
- Experience in laboratory-based practical skills.
- Evidence of the ability to complete work that requires a high level of attention to detail.
- Analyse complex data sets such as multiple interrelated instrument measurement readings, with potential to develop new software analysis tools.
- Learn about and then follow established protocols for either laboratory or data processing.
- Use logical thought processes to design and follow a scientific work plan.
- Enjoy problem solving and can demonstrate critical thinking, assessing the pros and cons of your approach.
- Understanding of the value of providing good customer service to both internal and external customers, and wanting to meet and exceed customer expectations through delivery of high quality work.
- Work within established Health and Safety, and Quality systems to safely produce accurate and repeatable results.
- Good spoken and written communications skills and the ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds to help us achieve our goals.
- Ability to plan and deliver against agreed time, cost and quality needs.
- A commitment to personal development and taking on learning opportunities
- Experience in optical radiometry related techniques would be an advantage.
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. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security 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.

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. 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.