Higher Research Scientist - Quantum & 2D Material Measurement & Characterisation

About the Role
NPL is seeking an experienced Higher Research Scientist in Quantum & 2D material measurement and characterisation . This exciting full time opportunity is within the Quantum Technologies department; specifically working with the Quantum Materials group (Teddington) and comes with a generous salary and benefits package.

Your primary responsibilities will involve:

development of new state-of-the-art measurement capabilities in the area of quantum materials and sectors to support UK industry needs
measurement and characterisation of a broad range industrially relevant materials and devices
working in close contact with industry and stakeholders, to develop and strengthen commercial opportunities and meet customers’ measurement challenges
development and application of best measurements practices and quality assurance
analysing measurement data using a variety of mathematical tools
dissemination of experimental data in the form of customer reports, scientific papers, conference presentations, etc.
At NPL, you will be able to engage in a projects that are part of the NPL Quantum Programme; helping to build Quantum Test and Evaluation (QTE) facilities and infrastructure to support innovation across the UK. Additionally, you will support Graphene Flagship validation services and other industrial focused projects that may arise, such as A4i, M4Q. There will be additionally future opportunities to expand your research portfolio.



About You
The position requires a person who is strongly motivated in team working, with a strong focus at UK industry and other stakeholders. You will be working in a close contact with external partners and stakeholders on solving their measurement needs. You will also be expected to proactively engage with the stakeholders to understand and communicate their measurement requirements. You will be expected to independently set goals and manage your R&D projects to deliver on time.

The role will require in depth knowledge of electronics, functional advanced scanning probe microscopy and their application to a broad range of quantum materials and devices with different functionalities. Furthermore, you will be working on development and optimization of bespoke measurement systems and advancement of the measurement methodology.

Skills required:

An interest to work with customers and a proven record of customer engagement
PhD in physics, electronics or similar relevant industrial experience
Excellent problem-solving skills and a record of achievement in an R&D environment
Excellence in electronics and electrical measurement techniques
Advanced knowledge of and practical experience in scanning probe techniques
Practical experience in quantum materials and devices
Knowledge of cryogenic techniques
Good level of scientific programming skills (e.g. Python, Matlab, LabView)
Advanced experience in data analyses (e.g. Python, Origin, Gwyddeon….)
Familiarity with modern computational techniques (e.g. analysis of large or high-dimensional datasets, machine learning…)
Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and spoken
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.
About The Company
NPL and BEIS 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 BAME 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.

We’re transforming. As a national laboratory, we’re exploring even more commercial routes to market and that’s presenting us with greater opportunity – for you and us. Our success relies on the diversity and talent of our people, we strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued and supported to excel in their chosen field. This value is at the core of our organisation.

We believe in a culture of fairness by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, background or any other factor irrelevant to a person’s work. At NPL 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. NPL’s values are at the heart of what we do and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we signed up to the Institute of Physics' Project Juno in 2015 as a Juno Supporter. NPL were proud to be awarded Juno Practitioner status in 2018. NPL also joined Stonewall as a Diversity champion in 2015, participating in their annual Workplace Equality Index for the equality of LGBT+ community at NPL. In 2018, NPL became a member of the Business Disability Forum and joined the disability confident scheme as level 1 committed employer.

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.