Head of Science

Who sets the standards, to ensure that anything that can be measured is done so with consistency and reliability? We do. Through our vital research, the National Physical Laboratory is helping support scientific and commercial innovations, international trade, environmental protection and health and wellbeing. As our Head of Science, you’ll set our direction as we help grow the economic impact and competitiveness of UK manufacturing. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.

As a member of the senior leadership team, this is your chance to shape and influence our future. Taking responsibility for the quality of science outputs, you’ll be involved every aspect - reviewing, supporting and challenging what we do and how we do it, so that we continue to break new ground. Working closely with the other members of the Chief Scientist Directorate (CSD) you’ll advise on the quality, integrity and balance of NPL’s science and engineering work; champion collaborative working; help coordinate funding proposals and responses; explore new avenues; and stimulate continuous improvement in scientific outputs. You will also represent NPL at various fora to strengthen our position in the research ecosystem, whilst building positive relationships both internally and externally. As a senior leader, you’ll also work with other parts of the laboratory to optimise opportunities, acting as an agent for change and promoting NPL’s values.

Key areas of focus the role
- Leadership
- Governance, efficiency and effectiveness
- External relations
- Change
- Relationships with leadership
- Health and Safety
- Values in action
- We are now working in a hybrid way,with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work lifebalance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, wewill try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent onthe kind of role you do and part of the business you work in._

As our NPL Head of Science, you’ll set our direction as we help to pave the way to realise our exciting NPL Science Strategy. Lead on CSD initiatives such as Fore sighting, Road mapping, Research Integrity, and work with Department Heads of Sciences and SALs develop a positive research culture.

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. Together, we’re helping make the impossible, possible.

**_ This will be an additional role and will be expected to operate at 50% of a full time equivalent and reports to the Chief Scientist._**

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.