Higher Research Scientist

About the Role
Air Quality is a significant issue for UK and global societies; this is reflected in its increasing prominence globally, and on national and local government agendas. NPL’s Air Quality & Aerosol Metrology group provides crucial operation of several UK Air Quality Networks, delivers essential metrological support to UK and overseas industries and is a recognised science and technology leader in the domain. We participate in national and international projects to explore and develop traceability and calibration techniques for measurements of properties such as aerosol particle size distribution, concentration, composition, and black carbon.

The Group is now expanding, and we are looking for highly motivated Higher Research Scientists to support the particles and nanoparticles area of the Group.

About You
These research roles require a balance of working independently and as part of wider multi-disciplinary teams. Work will comprise laboratory-based experimental work, planning and delivery of small projects, and scientific paper and report writing. These are laboratory-based positions at our facilities in Teddington (South-west London), but some occasional off-site work will be required.

You will have a relevant science degree or higher qualification, and experience of working in an industrial or R&D laboratory environment. As a minimum, you must be able to demonstrate a good awareness of air quality science and technology; an in-depth understanding is desirable. An ability to independently plan and deliver new analytical methods, and an understanding of measurement science/uncertainties work in the laboratory will be sought. Evidence of good team working skills must be shown and you will be comfortable planning and leading delivery of small projects. Excellent report / paper writing and presentation skills will be considered to be a real strength. Good communication skills and an enthusiasm for science are essential, and you will be challenged to think for yourself. You will be comfortable representing NPL at external meetings and events.

In addition to the above, the following criteria would be advantageous in delivering the role:

Experience of project bidding and winning new funding
Commercial awareness
A track record of peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations
Demonstratable experience of working with international and industrial collaborators or customers
Experience leading small projects and teams
Experience in delivering calibrations under a quality system
Experience in the measurement of the physical properties or chemical composition of airborne particles (e.g. particle number concentration, particle size distribution, aerosol mass spectrometry), including the development of new methods.
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 practicable.

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.