About the Role
NPL is the UK’s National Metrology Institute. Our role is to research, create and deliver the measurement infrastructure which underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life across many fields of industry.
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.
About You
We look for a candidate with experience in working with satellite altimetry or SAR data, with an interest in metrology and understanding of uncertainty propagation. The successful candidate will join the CEO team to support existing and future projects to establish fundamental data records (FDRs) for altimeter and SAR satellite data. These projects involve applying metrological principles to assess the uncertainties associated with the level 1 altimetry data and with derived products such as sea level anomaly, sea ice thickness, land ice thickness etc.
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 in a team, cooperating with internal, external and international partners.
Writing and reviewing technical documentation and scientific publications.
Support the development and mentoring of more junior scientists, this may include line management responsibility
Working with the bid manager to lead 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
Provide leadership, co-ordination and expertise in altimetry technical knowledge
Keep abreast of developments in the area of specialist knowledge and communicate these to the leaders in the relevant teams to inform future NPL strategy and identify commercial opportunities
Work collaboratively, both internally and externally, to develop partnership opportunities to extend the capability of the CEO Group and NPL
Person specification
Experience in working with satellite data for altimetry or SAR.
Good understanding of the metrological principles of uncertainty analysis.
Strong mathematical and scientific programming skills in Python or similar languages and use of cloud computing resources, such as JASMIN, Google Earth Engine
Good communication skills and be collaborative with other senior scientists
In addition, we require:
Degree as a minimum in Physics, Mathematics, Earth Science or similar subject. PhD (or equivalent research experience) preferred.
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 apply for this research science role, you will need to have significant experience in a similar position, possibly in a quantum computing role. You will be recognised as a specialist and leader in your field, an accolade supported by your academic scientific background and a long list of successful research projects. If your work has been published, all the better. Beyond that, we’re looking for someone who’ll thrive in an inclusive and collaborative environment like ours.
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.
