NPL is seeking an experienced Higher Scientist based in Teddington to plan and deliver technical activities to advance our research. This full-time role offers a generous salary and benefits package.
As a Higher Scientist, you will acquire new knowledge to solve problems and identify commercial opportunities arising from your work, contributing to new product and service development. At NPL, we foster a collaborative and respectful working environment dedicated to continuous improvement.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
1. Sharing your learnings and mentoring less experienced colleagues
2. Developing partnerships to enhance our capabilities
3. Promoting our work externally as an ambassador
4. Providing technical support for bids and projects
You will join our Quantum Photonics team within the Quantum Technologies Department, focusing on research to improve understanding of photonic quantum information hardware, such as single-photon sources, detectors, quantum key distribution, and quantum communication systems. The team is expanding to construct a quantum network test bed, involving multiple teams and external collaborators.
The main focus of this position involves developing and implementing picosecond-level time synchronization across the quantum network test bed nodes, ensuring the integrity of quantum states transported via fiber links. This includes evaluating commercial solutions like White Rabbit and ELSTAB, and contributing to hardware and software development for network performance monitoring.
You will also contribute to developing metrology for physical parameters of photonic quantum components and collaborate with the quantum industry to address measurement challenges, impacting the development of quantum technologies. The role offers opportunities for career progression and publication in high-impact journals, as well as presenting at international conferences.
Key responsibilities (depending on experience):
* Designing experimental methods to characterize photonic devices and systems
* Building experimental setups and custom instrumentation
* Developing control and data analysis software
* Analyzing experimental data analytically and numerically
* Collaborating with partners and preparing reports
* Publishing research findings and presenting at conferences
* Leading innovative research with potential commercial applications
* Supporting or leading bids to secure funding
* Developing partnerships and representing NPL externally
About You:
Essential:
* Experimental experience with photonic systems (fiber, free-space, or on-chip)
* PhD or equivalent in experimental physics, engineering, or hardware development
* Post-doctoral experience in a relevant field
* Ability to work across multiple teams and manage priorities
* Strong problem-solving skills and solution development
* Inquisitive mindset and collaborative approach
* Excellent communication skills
Advantageous:
* Experience working with industry, academia, or NMIs
* Experience with time-transfer and synchronization techniques
* Knowledge of White Rabbit and ELSTAB technologies
* Experience with quantum photonic technologies and networks
* Programming skills in LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python
* Electronics design experience
* Track record in scientific research and technical innovation
* Experience in technical collaboration, bid writing, and team leadership
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Security clearance (BPSS) is required to work at NPL. Applications are reviewed continuously, and the closing date may be moved forward. We encourage early applications.
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