Computational Higher Scientist

NPL are seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science or a related discipline to support the development of innovative measurement solutions for complex -omics and imaging datasets. As a Higher Scientist you will have the opportunity to plan and deliver a number of technical activities to take our research to the next level.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing creating and implementing complex data processing and analytical pipelines for mass spectrometry imaging applications. Working with large-scale hyperspectral datasets, you will innovate and apply advanced computational approaches, including statistical modelling and machine learning, to extract meaningful information related to complex biological systems and deliver robust, reproducible scientific insights.

As part of a multidisciplinary supportive team, you will collaborate with scientists, software developers, industrial partners and customers to create new capabilities and address real-world measurement challenges. You will contribute to the delivery of high-impact research projects, support the development of NPL's data science and bioinformatics capabilities, and help translate leading-edge science into practical solutions for industry and government.

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.

Your primary 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

You are an enthusiastic and innovative scientist with a strong background in the analysis of complex biological datasets and a passion for applying computational methods to challenging scientific problems.

You will hold a PhD and possess strong coding and data analysis skills. You will be comfortable working with large, multidimensional datasets and have experience developing robust analytical workflows, statistical models or machine learning approaches to support scientific discovery.

You will enjoy working collaboratively across disciplines and be able to communicate complex technical concepts to a range of audiences. Experience of working in an industrial, applied research or customer-facing environment would be highly advantageous, as would experience of mass spectrometry imaging, hyperspectral data analysis, or the development of scientific software tools.

Essential

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, data science, analytical chemistry, or an -omics discipline.
• Curious with a self-driven desire to learn the state-of-the-art in mass spectrometry imaging and explore advances in adjacent fields that could accelerate our research and capability.  
• Demonstrable experience in analysing large, complex, multidimensional datasets.
• Strong programming skills in one or more scientific computing languages such as Python, R or similar.
• Experience developing and maintaining complex data processing and analysis pipelines.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, data modelling and experimental data interpretation.
• Ability to apply computational approaches to solve scientific and technical problems.
• Experience communicating technical findings through reports, publications or presentations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Experience analysing hyperspectral imaging data.
• Knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for scientific data analysis.
• Experience developing predictive or statistical models for biological systems.
• Familiarity with cloud computing, high-performance computing or scalable data processing environments.
• Experience developing scientific software, packages or reusable computational tools.
• Knowledge of data standards, reproducibility practices and FAIR data principles.
• Experience working in an industrial, commercial, regulatory or customer-facing environment.
• Experience working in collaborative research projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Track record of attracting, supporting or delivering externally funded projects.
• Experience engaging with customers, partners or end-users to understand requirements and deliver practical solutions.

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.

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.