Job Description

At NPL, our success comes from attracting energetic and imaginative people who share our values. We are proud to be a world-class organisation doing exceptional science, and to have an atmosphere of support and collaboration. At every level, in every area of our business, we seek to nurture and respect our people. Together, we support each other to grow, succeed and enjoy work. Be part of something amazing.



We have an 18 month opportunity for a graduate to join the People team working on a range of exciting future facing themes that will set NPL up to make even more impact from its Science & Engineering.



We are looking for someone who has a point of view, creative ideas and who is action oriented. They should be itching to make things happen by rolling up their sleeves and contributing to activities that make a difference to our people and the work that they do.



Our new team member will be quick to assimilate information, comfortable converting data to insights and have a strong communication style that connects them to others, wherever they work and in whichever discipline. The key being that they are adaptable, have humility but are also clear about their own sense of direction.



Our ways of working are evolving - we are making great strides to work with agility, moving at pace and working iteratively to develop solutions and outputs that have the customer (in this case, usually the employee) at their heart.



The areas we know someone can contribute to and learn within include:

Diversity and Inclusion

- learning from an inspirational leader and taking ownership for aspects of strategy delivery.

Our Peo

ple focussed strategic programmes

- initially helping to create a distinct Employee Experience - creating moments that matter to NPL colleagues and scaling them so that they are accessible for all and consistently embedded.

Early careers

- being part of the team that supports our Early Career programmes, specifically recruitment, to ensure we attract great people and give them an even greater experience of NPL.

Data Insights

- working with data owners to create insights that support strategic themes

Generative AI

- seeking opportunities to short circuit processes and solutions through the creation of people related touch points that support cultural advancement and growth


As a Graduate Project Manager you don't need first-hand project management experience, but you must be able to grasp its principles, be exceptionally organised and willing to learn. Fast. You will definitely need to know your way around Microsoft Office (and if you've got any MS Project experience that would be great too). We are looking for someone who is happy to get stuck in working as part of a team but also able to take away actions and work independently.

You'll need to be passionate about diversity and inclusion as this will be at the core of the work you do - enabling you to see, experience and participate across the full breadth of work in this space, from strategic projects to staff interactions, and dedicated activities to embed D&I in all that we do.

If you have any experience or exposure to running communications and engagement activities for colleagues and capturing and identifying opportunities for continual improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we're always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don't make things more complicated when there's no need.

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. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

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 ensure we're creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.


We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. 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.