Principal Scientist

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.

NPL is looking for a senior expert with demonstrable world leading experience in Underwater Acoustics to join us as a Principal Scientist. Research is what drives our business. And it will be up to you to develop and lead your team, setting your technical area’s strategic direction and ensuring your vision is delivered. When it comes to solutions, you don’t just rely on established methodologies. To get the results you seek, you’re willing to challenge what we do and how we do it, so that we’re expanding our capability. In doing so, you’ll be able to drive collaboration – internally and externally – to enhance activity and optimise commercial opportunities. Your passion for your work means you already have a great network through which you’ll promote our work, representing NPL and speaking wherever you’re needed. As your work progresses, and new learnings established, you’ll make sure you bring the team with you – training and developing them so that they grow with us.

• Leading, designing and executing experimental and theoretical research including development of novel measurement tools and methods in support of current and future underwater acoustic applications.
• Creating a vision for the underwater acoustics in the Ultrasound & Underwater Acoustics Group, addressing UK government challenges for the underwater acoustics area.
• Playing a leading role on national and international standards committees, representing NPL and the UK at international meetings.
• Leading and fostering the team’s engagement with UK and overseas organisations (other National Metrology Institutes, UK Government, Academia and Commercial Customers) to maintain NPL position as a leading NMI in underwater acoustics.
• Responding to commercial and grant-based ITTs and obtaining research funding for this area aligned with NPL strategic priorities.
• Consulting and working in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to determine how NPL can provide support to improve the quality of methods and tools used for underwater acoustic applications, and develop tools and methods for future applications that require traceability.
• Working in partnership with other NPL departments, and collaborating across NPL to develop new opportunities and to develop new research and service opportunities including establishment of mutually beneficial collaborations and nurturing of existing partnerships.
• Planning and management of science portfolio, including development of project proposals, management of projects to achieve results in accordance with milestone schedules and within budget, and development of partnerships with other internal and external partners.
• Working with industry partners to establish formal collaborative agreements to create innovative, high-impact research programs, and transfer their successes directly to industry.

The position will be based at NPL's Teddington site, involving occasional travel, such as customer site visits, in situ measurements work and representing NPL at national and international meetings, conferences and events.

To be successful in the role, you will be sought out and internationally respected by the underwater acoustics community for your expertise and have:

• Proven experience winning, leading and conducting international research work with published articles in internationally recognised scientific journals.
• Experience leading national and international standards development, or a track record contributing to underwater acoustics standards.
• Track record developing and implementing technical solutions in underwater acoustics funded by the civil and/or defence sectors.
• Track record presenting results in the form of reports, manuscripts, oral presentations.
• Experience developing and executing business strategy to commercial and technical initiatives.
• Experience managing full life cycle of large scale research programs.
• Demonstrable experience leading and motivating scientific and technical staff.

To lead and inspire a scientific team, not only will you need to be a leading expert in your field, you'll also need experience of motivating a team. Inspirational, influential and a relationship builder, you have the scientific and commercial awareness to help NPL achieve our ambitions. Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better. For ourselves and for our customers. And whilst we're always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don't make things more complicated when there's no need.

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.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.