Higher Research Scientist - Emissions and Atmospheric Metrology Group

Job Ref:
64955

Location:
Teddington

Type:
Fixed Term

Job Description

The UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL) sits at the intersection between scientific discovery and real world application. One of the top three National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) in the world, we now have a regional presence and strategic relationships with Surrey and Strathclyde Universities. Our expertise and original research have benefited UK citizens and the UK economy for over a century.

At NPL we recognise that our success comes from attracting energetic and imaginative people, a reflection of our own values. The self-cultivated atmosphere of support and collaboration is one we are justifiably proud of and at every level, in every area of our business we seek to nurture and respect our people to support each other to grow, succeed and enjoy work. Join us and you'll soon see how thought leadership and imagination inspire all of us to greater things. It's about challenging complexity and bringing clarity and building relationships that make a difference. We are bold and visionary; we believe that anything is possible at NPL.
Understanding atmospheric composition to improve our knowledge of the sources and sinks of greenhouse gases has been highlighted as a growing scientific and societal priority. Making progress in atmospheric composition monitoring, however, is a balance between maintaining strategically placed, long-term, sustainably funded measurements and delivering new methods that will ultimately add greater value. With this in mind, your work at NPL will focus within a new strategic research theme in a team – developing methods to make automated high-frequency measurements of isotope ratios for two of the main greenhouse gases (methane and nitrous oxide). These new methods aim to help understand emission sources on regional scales with the ultimate aim of assisting efficient climate change mitigation policy.

This work will aid and impact other project areas at NPL particularly in complementing the gas standards work in the Gas and Particle Metrology group and current commercial fieldwork on methane emissions by the Emissions and Atmospheric Metrology group. It will uniquely combine leading edge greenhouse gas monitoring research with the core traceability and measurement science done at NPL.

We are looking for a researcher to support this activity who will work closely with a growing group of collaborators. There will be opportunities to travel to conferences and meetings and engage with a wide community of scientists in the UK and abroad.
• A PhD in the physical sciences focusing on instrument/technique development
• Strong analytical skills and experience in programming for data analysis and instrument control (Labview, Python)
• Knowledge/academic background in atmospheric science would be advantageous
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing your time according to priorities
This is a 2.5 year contract but with the possibility of extension. You may also be involved in projects of the wider group of ~25 scientists according to opportunities within the Group and main project flexibility.
Based in a unique, purpose-built research environment, we are located in beautiful surroundings on the edge of Bushy Park, south-west London with a host of onsite facilities. These include a subsidised crèche, restaurant, free parking and our own sports and social club.

NPL Management Limited is committed to supporting its people to develop both personally and professionally and is committed to equal opportunities.