Graduate Data Scientist

Are you interested in a career in scientific research?  

At NPL, we are looking for graduates with a real passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges in industry, energy, the environment, and healthcare to join our Informatics Group within the Data Science & AI Department. As the UK’s National Metrology Institute (NMI) we pledge that NPL will be a place to create a positive impact through the “science of measurement” nationally, internationally, and for your career.  

The work conducted within the Data science & AI department responds to the national challenges of:

• Prosperity: delivering measurement solutions to maximise innovation and prosperity in advanced manufacturing
•  Security and resilience: managing the risks to our national security and resilience infrastructure
•  Environment: science-directed measurement solutions for environment climate action and a sustainable future
•  Health: supporting healthcare, life science, and the bio economy 

You will be working at our office within the University of Strathclyde campus to work on data focussed projects through practical and theory-based learning in the field of informatics by developing data quality frameworks, ontologies, and data models to support data used in complex systems. As a Graduate Scientist on the two-year NPL Graduate Programme you will complete 2 or 3 project rotations within the Data Science & AI Department to ensure you are getting great exposure to the work and projects happening. These rotations are designed to cultivate a more comprehensive understanding of data science and the inter-relations between the Informatics Group and the Data Analytics & Modelling Group, and their respective roles in solving data focussed metrology challenges.  

As a Graduate Scientist, you will have the chance to collaborate with a variety of teams which will help build and grow your network. You’ll be expected to use logical thinking skills for designing and following a work plan, alongside developing technical documents and authoring scientific publications. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with building data infrastructure for complex data application areas such as: medical device readings, satellite imagery or advanced manufacturing instrument readings, which may lead to developing and creating new software tools. Quality is a major part of our scientific delivery with our ISO accredited Quality Management Systems help you produce accurate and repeatable results.  

Occasional travel to our Teddington, Cambridge, and Huddersfield sites will be required to collaborate and engage with your colleagues within the Data Science & AI department, the wider graduate scientist cohort, further NPL based collaborators, and participate in training sessions. Additionally, we actively encourage and seek opportunities for our Graduate Scientists to engage with the wider scientific community at conferences and events both nationally and internationally. 

You will also be involved in supporting our community benefit activities – this may be going to local schools, supporting community activities, or helping at large NPL events. We will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a caring and daring community that truly values you and your contribution. 

Upon completion of the two-year Graduate Scientist programme, you will continue at NPL as a permanent Scientist, with a working knowledge of complementary areas. We will provide the space and support so you can be the best version of yourself, as well as the tools to navigate the different demands of our work. More information about Data Science can be found here. 

To be successful in this Graduate Scientist role, you will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Have achieved or be on target to achieve a degree, or equivalent in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or relevant data driven physical science field.
•  Capabilities (or interest in developing capabilities) in Data Engineering/Informatics skills such as programming, knowledge engineering (ontologies, knowledge graphs) and data modelling
•  Proven ability to work in a team to achieve a common goal, with good communication and collaboration skills
•  Enjoy problem solving and can demonstrate critical thinking, assessing the pros and cons of your approach
•  Have written scientific technical reports during your studies, or are willing to learn if your experience was acquired in a different setting
•  Ability to complete work which requires a high level of attention to detail and nuance
•  Understand the value of providing good customer service, delivering high quality work and proactive communication
•  Committed to your personal development and taking on learning opportunities to get the most from the role
•  Be eligible to live and work in the UK at the time you start employment (we cannot provide visa sponsorship at this time)

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 or Security Clearance depending on the department you work within.

We want to hear your story—your ideas, your experiences, and your aspirations. Please complete your application without using AI tools, so we can get to know the real you and what makes you stand out.

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.

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, 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.