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. 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. 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. 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.
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):
Building experimental set-ups and bespoke instrumentation
Designing and implementing control and data analysis software
Analytic and numerical analysis of experimental data
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
PhD, or equivalent experience, in experimental physics, engineering or hardware development
Post-doctoral experience in a relevant field
Experience of working with industry, academia or NMIs in a relevant field
· 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 leading a team to deliver collaborative, multidisciplinary research
To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
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.
Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits.