This position is within the Dimensional Metrology Group at NPL and will primarily focus on theme of SI metre lasers and interferometry.
Applicants should have demonstrable expertise in the development, maintenance, and/or use of optical interferometry systems incorporating specialised laser sources, tuneable laser diodes, and frequency combs. Experience in calibrating and establishing traceability for displacement interferometers and other systems making use of these is highly desirable. A relevant PhD, EngD, or equivalent industrial metrology experience is required for this role.
The successful candidate will deliver ongoing maintenance, research and development activities within our Critical Measurement Infrastructure and Applied Metrology projects while providing bespoke technical solutions to customers via contract consultancy and supporting the delivery of NPL’s key measurement services directly linking to the SI metre to internal and external customers.
To be highly successful in this Higher Scientist role, you should be confident in:
- Planning and efficiently delivering complex activities both individually, and as part of a team.
- Following established procedures and standards, to support the quality team to ensure activities are completed to the highest standards.
- Challenging yourself and others, developing and exploring new ideas for improvement and taking these from conception to fruition.
- Communicating technical outputs and establishing connections with internal and external stakeholders/customers.
Beyond that, we're looking for someone who will thrive in a diverse scientific environment like ours. Being a member of a multi-disciplinary team, you will be expected to develop, capture, exploit, and transfer your technical knowledge to support the continued development of expertise within the group and may be called upon to mentor junior members.
Essential skills:
- Ability to think creatively and solve problems independently
- A desire to expand their knowledge and skills across multiple adjacent fields
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrable expertise in the development, maintenance and/or use of optical interferometry systems incorporating specialised laser sources.
- Understanding of the fundamental operating principles of various optical interferometry systems for displacement measurement.
- Knowledge of a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for bespoke instrument control, data acquisition, processing, and visualisation.
Desirable skills:
The following skills would be advantageous, but not essential:
- Experience with the operation and safe use of high-power laser sources in an R&D environment.
- Experience working with lasers sources in both the visible and infrared (1550 nm)
- Knowledge of measurement uncertainty budgeting and calculations.
- Experience with calibrating and establishing traceability for an interferometer.
- Proven ability to document, present, and publish complex results.
- Project/activity costing, planning, and management experience.
At NPL, 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. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry.
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.