Higher/Senior Research Scientist - Quality Assurance in Earth Observation
Climate & Earth Observation, NPL
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9881
About the Role
NPL is seeking an experienced Higher Research 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 - Research 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. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
●Sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you
●Developing partnerships to strengthen our capability
●Acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do
●Providing technical support for any bids, we may be undertaking
About You
Background information:
The Climate and Earth Observation group at NPL is a world leader in the theory, methods and practice of metrological traceability of Earth Observation (EO) instrumentation and their data products. CEO projects span the full life cycle of EO instrumentation traceability; from pre-flight calibration, in-orbit validation & sensor inter-operability, together with L1, L2 and derived product quality assurance.
Through a number of international initiatives, NPL provides leadership in satellite Earth Observation data product Quality Assurance (QA). This includes the definition and implementation QA frameworks – such as, the CEOS QA4EO principle, or the ESA EDAP maturity matrix (which is now under further development in collaboration with NASA). This maturing domain is increasingly important given the rapid expansion of the commercial EO sector. QA can provide potential users with the confidence in data they need, opening EO up to create more impact in wider sections of an expanded EO marketplace.
Job description
We look for a candidate with experience in satellite Earth observation, with an interest in product Quality Assurance and metrology. The successful candidate will join the CEO team to support existing and future projects to define and establishing Quality Assurance frameworks for assessing satellite data for Earth Observation.
The candidate will be encouraged to pursue continual professional development, membership of professional bodies (which will be subsidised) and will receive on-the-job training and support. In addition, the role involves attending and presenting at international conferences and leading and contributing to peer-reviewed publications in a range of sectors related to EO and remote sensing applications.
Typical Tasks:
Work towards the definition of EO product Quality Assurance frameworks (such as maturity matrices).
Interaction and collaboration with space agencies, commercial EO satellite vendors, and product users to understand the needs of key stakeholders throughout the EO product development chain.
Work in a team, cooperating with internal, external and international partners.
Writing technical documentation and scientific publications.
Support the development and mentoring of more junior scientists.
Support development of technical proposals to meet bid requirements that are consistent with the NPL strategy
Assume responsibility for the standard of delivery in your area of specialist technical knowledge (to time, cost and quality with focus on the customer) and work in accordance with the NPL quality system
Person specification
Experience working in satellite EO, including an understanding of Level 1/2 sensor calibration and validation.
Knowledge of EO standards and standardisation initiatives, such as QA4EO or CARD4L.
Good understanding of the metrological principles of traceability and uncertainty analysis.
Good communication skills and be collaborative with other senior scientists
Experience of operating within a Quality Assurance framework is desirable
In addition, we require:
Degree and MSc (or equivalent with several years’ experience) as a minimum in Physics, Maths or Earth Science.
Strong scientific and mathematical skills
Good communication skills (oral and written)
You may also be expected to travel to international locations for conferences and to meet customers in the UK and abroad.
To be successful in this Higher Research Scientist role, you should have a science-related degree and be an expert in your field. You should also be used to leading, planning, and delivering complex research projects from conception to fruition. Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours.
In return for your knowledge and expertise, you'll receive a favorable salary and benefits package.
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.