Job Description

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



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


We're seeking an experienced Higher Scientist to join our Quantum Photonics team within our Quantum Technologies Department.



The team undertakes research to improve understanding of the science underpinning photonic quantum information hardware- e.g. single-photon sources and detectors, quantum key distribution and quantum communication systems, and quantum random number generators - and their applications.


You will be joining the team at an exciting time, as it extends this work to construct a quantum network test bed, an endeavour involving multiple teams across NPL and external collaborators.



A permanent position is available to join our team of multi-disciplinary scientists and engineers. In addition to those described above, the activities of the group include test and evaluation of photonic quantum information hardware and working with industry to provide solutions to current and future measurement challenges.



The main focus of this position will be to develop and implement picosecond-level time synchronisation across the nodes of the NPL quantum network testbed, without degrading the integrity of the quantum states transported across the fibre links in the network. This will involve evaluating, and potentially augmenting, commercial solutions, e.g. White Rabbit and ELSTAB, as well as lower technology readiness level approaches. This will require you to work closely with other groups across NPL, including the Time and Frequency department, and contribute to the development of the hardware and software used to control and monitor the performance of the network.


You will also be required to contribute to the Quantum Photonics team's overarching activity to develop the metrology to measure critical physical parameters of photonic quantum information components and systems. You will have an opportunity to work closely with the emerging quantum industry to provide expertise to solve their measurement challenges and make an impact on the development of the current and next generation quantum technologies. Your role will evolve with the technology landscape, and we are seeking someone with the potential to progress in seniority



Our work is performed in collaboration with leading UK and international researchers from industry and academia, and our counterparts at other national laboratories. You will have the opportunity to publish your work in high-impact academic journals and present it at prestigious international conferences.



Key responsibilities(depending on experience):



Devising experimental methods to implement and characterise photonic devices and systems
Building experimental set-ups and bespoke instrumentation
Designing and implementing control and data analysis software
Analytic and numerical analysis of experimental data
Collaborating with internal and external partners
Preparing and presenting project and internal reports
Writing scientific papers and presenting at conferences
Leading cutting-edge research, recognising aspects that could be commercially viable and work to grow and maintain a strong industrial network
Providing technical support for, or leading, winning bids in line with NPL's growth strategy
Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities
Representing NPL to promote our work and raise our profile

About You

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



Essential:



Experimental experience with photonic systems(fibre, free-space or 'on-chip') PhD, or equivalent experience, in experimental physics, engineering or hardware development Post-doctoral experience in a relevant field Ability to work across multiple teams, managing your time according to priorities A rigorous approach to problem solving and ability to develop solutions to difficult problems An inquisitive mind and willingness to interact dynamically with colleagues and collaborators Excellent written and verbal communication skills





Advantageous:


Experience of working with industry, academia or NMIs in a relevant field

Experimental experience in time-transfer and time-synchronisation techniques

Experience with White Rabbit and ELSTAB technologies

Experience with single-photon sources and detectors, quantum photonic technologies, quantum networks, quantum optics experiments

Programming expertise; LabVIEW and MATLAB/Python are preferable

Electronics design and implementation

An established track record in a relevant scientific area

Experience of relevant technical work in a commercial environment

Experience of collaborating with external partners, including industry

Experience of developing innovative solution to technical challenges faced by industry Experience of bid submissions to secure funding

Experience of leading a team to deliver collaborative, multidisciplinary research

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.