Senior Research Scientist - Vicarious Calibration Of Satellite Sensors

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated senior scientist to providing technical leadership to NPL’s activities in bringing the core principles of metrology (traceability, uncertainty analysis, comparison) to satellite vicarious calibration and validation.

For the solar-reflective spectral band, NPL’s vision is a metrologically-robust vicarious calibration “system of systems” that links existing approaches (instrumented sites such as RadCalNet and Hypernets – including vegetation and ocean sites, pseudo-invariant calibration sites, lunar observations and natural phenomena like deep convective clouds, Rayleigh Scattering and sunglint) to create an international reference for satellite sensor intercalibration and stability monitoring. We are also interested in how such approaches can be extended into the thermal infrared.

We are looking for a senior scientist with experience of satellite L1 product vicarious calibration to lead our technical activity in this area. The role will be tailored to the skills of the successful candidate, but will include some or all of the following activities:

Providing technical oversight to our (practical / fieldwork) in the operation of the Gobabeb RadCalNet site and our activity in establishing a land network for Hypernets
Supporting the ESA Fiducial Reference Measurement programme
Developing, in collaboration with NPL’s metrologists and data scientists, methods of metrological comparison, developing uncertainty models for vicarious calibration techniques
Developing and maintaining NPL’s facilities for the calibration of field instruments
Responding to commercial and grant-based ITTs and obtaining research funding for this area
Participating in international committees (e.g. validation teams, CEOS-WGCV-IVOS) and collaborating with universities
Managing junior scientists working in these technical areas and (potentially) supervising masters and PhD students

About You
Technical knowledge
Strong understanding of the process of vicarious calibration for either solar-reflective or thermal emissive sensors
Practical experience of vicarious calibration field work at test sites (land and/or ocean)
Knowledge of radiative transfer
Able to manipulate satellite L1 data
Understanding of what metrology adds

[May not have done much, but should be open to the possibilities]

Understands the difference between errors and uncertainties, has considered error correlation
Considers SI-traceability and “fiducial references”
Leadership

Able to encourage and support junior scientists
Leads in a coaching style
Collaborative with other senior scientists working in complementary areas
Able to provide technical leadership across several simultaneous projects
Has vision and thinks strategically
Strong existing network and knowledge of opportunities (e.g. ESA/EUMETSAT bids) would be advantageous
Experience in a leadership role in an international consortium would be advantageous.

Please note: 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.