Higher Scientist

NPL is seeking an experienced postdoctoral researcher for a Higher Scientist role based in Teddington to plan and deliver a number of technical activities to take our research to the next level. This full-time position comes with a generous salary and benefits package. 

NPL’s Biometrology group wishes to appoint a Higher Scientist in biomedical optics.

The group is a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists and engineers developing innovative materials and methods in response to the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in biological R&D.

If you have a background in optics for biological imaging or sensing, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Your focus will be on the design, development and application of advanced light microscopy techniques (including multiphoton and super-resolution fluorescence methods) for analysing the properties of biological systems – from biological macromolecules to multicellular systems. Key application areas include quantum technologies for life sciences and healthcare (e.g., imaging and spectroscopy using entangled photons), opto-/magnetogenetics, live cell imaging and analysis of complex in vitro models. You will also have opportunities to engage with other areas of the group’s activity as appropriate.

With a PhD (or equivalent experience) in biomedical optics, you will have

• practical skills and experience in the development and use of advanced optical and electronic hardware;
• practical skills and experience in visualisation, processing and analysis of biological image data;
• a good understanding of optical imaging techniques for bioanalysis;
• good written and verbal communication skills;
• an ability to work as part of a team in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Desirable skills and experience include one or more of: quantum optics, optogenetics, multiphoton and advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques. There will be ample opportunities to develop new skills in the group.

As a Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research. If commercial opportunities arise from your work, you will work with colleagues to develop new products and services. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.

Other responsibilities will include:

• sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you;
• developing partnerships to strengthen our capability;
• acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do;
• providing technical support for any bids we may be undertaking.

In return for your knowledge and expertise, you'll receive a favourable salary and benefits package.

If this full-time Higher Scientist job in Teddington sounds like the right fit for you, please apply today.

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.

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.