Senior Scientist – Luminescence Thermometry – 1 Year FTC
Join to apply for the Senior Scientist – Luminescence Thermometry – 1 Year FTC role at National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
About the Role
NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute. 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. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist to join our team in Teddington.
As a member of a world‑leading Temperature and Humidity measurement group you will be involved in a range of activities from government funded research to industry focused applications. Contemporary optical thermometry techniques, focusing on luminescence materials, have the potential to provide innovative solutions to immediate industrial challenges in a diverse range of sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy and the environment, and health care.
Current Research Activities
* Design, construction and validation of novel single‑point and imaging luminescence surface thermometry systems suitable for a wide range of industrial applications
* Development of a robust metrological foundation for luminescence thermometry including traceable calibration artifacts and extension of the lower and upper temperature measurement limits
* Application of optical diagnostics to obtain low uncertainty temperature measurements of physical experiments, including contact probes (e.g., fibre‑optic), surface probes (e.g., luminescence) and gas‑phase probes (e.g., laser scattering) applications
* Commercialisation of laboratory luminescence thermometers for wider industrial uptake
Design and Development Work
* Design, construction, and operation of experiments, using optical components, including the development of data acquisition systems and analysis software
* Report work internally to team and externally to customers and stakeholders, including peer review publications, conference presentations and invited lectures
* Actively seek engagement with colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders to grow partnerships, business income and esteem indicators
* Provide technical leadership in project bidding and delivery, including grant proposal writing and reporting
Skills and Required Background/Experience
* Recognised as a specialist and leader in the field, with significant and proven experience in a similar position and a track record of successful research projects
* A degree in physics or related engineering discipline (minimum upper second class) and ideally a PhD/EngD
* Ability to interact and network with collaborators and future customers from academia and industry
* Experience in managing and developing safe H&S practices for technical labs devoted to optical diagnostics
* In‑depth understanding of optical based measurement techniques (luminescence, pyrometry, spectroscopy) and working principles of scientific instruments (scientific cameras, fast optical detectors, oscilloscopes, spectrometers)
* Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to propose appropriate technical solutions to challenging engineering and fundamental science problems
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, through conference talks, technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications and proposal writing
* Experience in supporting and developing junior scientists/engineers
Relevant Technical Experience
* Design and implementation of optical diagnostics systems, incorporating UV/VIS laser and LED light source
* Experience in software programming, data acquisition and data processing (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB) advantageous
* Expertise in numerical physics simulation software (COMSOL) and CAD software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor) desirable
* Previous experience in optical non‑contact thermometry, particularly phosphor thermometry and pyrometry
Security Clearance
To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security clearance.
EEO and Diversity Statement
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. 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.
Application Process
If you think you have what it takes to join the Teddington‑based NPL T&H team in a Senior Scientist's role, please apply here today. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; we encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Contract (1 year)
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