Research Scientist - Environment

About the Role
Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.

Research sits at the very core of our business. This is your chance to make an impact to our ground-breaking work as you apply your established knowledge and solutions to a range of technical activities. As we’re always looking to stretch our capabilities, we’ll look to you to spot potential commercial opportunities and to help raise our profile as and when you can. We work as a team here, so any learnings you do make, we’ll expect you to share to support in our continued development (you might also turn your hand to mentoring more junior members too). Naturally, you’ll keep your technical knowledge up-to-speed with the latest advances and take responsibility for completing your work to the highest standards, on time and within budget.
About You
We are looking for a variety of self-motivated research scientists with knowledge and preferably a background in the environmental, atmospheric or energy gases field. The roles will involve experimental work in the laboratory and possibly work out in the field, data analysis, report writing, delivering research projects and customer facing activities. The successful candidates will be able to work independently, as part of a team and will have good communication skills to enable you to develop your skills within their scientific area. You would also have the opportunity to work as part of a wider team developing NPL’s own facilities to meet new and challenging requirements from our customers.

Desired skills and experience

The Requirements

A degree in chemistry, physics or another relevant discipline
Desirable to have experience in several of the following:

The ability to produce creative ideas in both laboratory and field environments
Experimental monitoring of emissions, gases and data analysis
Good practical skills with attention to health and safety
Good written and oral communication skills
Excellent team working and relationship skills
Working within a Health & Safety and Quality system
Working within in an interdisciplinary project team
We will be reviewing CVs throughout the advertising process and interviews will be held in October.

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.

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.