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Frequency Combs Scientist

Employer
National Physical Laboratory
Location
Teddington, UK
Salary
Unspecified
Posting live until
19 Apr 2023

Job Details

Salary Details: Competitive + Benefits

Vacancy Type: Permanent

Vacancy Basis: Full Time

About the Role

At NPL, we are looking for a university or PhD graduate with a passion for experimental physics to join our Optical Frequency Metrology Group within our Time and Frequency Department. We are expanding our portfolio of projects involving optical frequency combs, which sit at the heart of our programme to develop a new generation of optical atomic clocks in anticipation of a redefinition of the SI second.

Femtosecond combs allow clocks operating at different frequencies and in different locations to be compared at accuracies commensurate with their performance. Using our established facilities, you will participate in pan-European clock comparisons designed to check the international consistency of optical clocks – experiments which exploit our position at a node of a unique dark fibre network infrastructure. In pushing the boundaries of measurement precision, such comparisons enable us to perform tests of fundamental physical theories with unprecedented sensitivity while simultaneously contributing to the international time scale (TAI).

You will be based at our Teddington site and will use your analytical and problem-solving skills to contribute to the design, implementation, and operation of optical frequency metrology infrastructure that pushes the boundary of measurement accuracy and stability. You will have a strong practical aptitude and will use your experience in experimental laboratory work to complete tasks requiring high attention to detail.

Our expectations

In this role, you will be able to:

  • Work collaboratively as part of our diverse team and with partner organisations to help us achieve our goals;
  • Use logical thought processes to design and follow a scientific work plan. Write technical documentation and scientific publications, both collaboratively and independently;
  • Use scientific computing to analyse complex data sets from frequency comparison experiments;
  • Use your practical skills to make precision measurements using optical frequency combs;
  • Develop laboratory instrumentation and control systems for laser frequency stabilization;
  • Develop hardware control and data analysis scripts, ideally using Python and/or Matlab;
  • Design and implement optical experimental setups, whilst maintaining a safe working environment;
  • Work within established Health and Safety and Quality systems to safely produce accurate and repeatable results.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience and qualifications:

  • You have a degree or equivalent in Physics, Electronic Engineering, or a related field (a PhD, or equivalent experience, is desirable for a Higher Research Scientist);
  • You have experience of working in a team to achieve a common goal, but are capable of working independently;
  • You are able to communicate clearly and collaborate with colleagues in your team;
  • You enjoy problem solving and can demonstrate critical thinking, assessing the pros and cons of your approach;
  • You are able to demonstrate the ability to complete work which requires a high level of attention to detail;
  • You understand the value of providing good customer service to both internal and external customers, wanting to meet and exceed customer expectations through delivering high quality work with proactive communications;
  • You are committed to personal development and taking on learning opportunities to get the most from the role.

If it sounds like this is the role for you, we look forward to hearing from you.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

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, black, Asian and minority ethnic 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.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

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. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

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.

Company

NPL is the UK's National Metrology Institute, developing and maintaining the national primary measurement standards. It is a public corporation owned by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It has a partnering agreement with BEIS and the University of Strathclyde and the University of Surrey. NPL is part of the National Measurement System (NMS), which provides the UK with a national measurement infrastructure and delivers the UK Measurement Strategy on behalf of BEIS. We undertake excellent science and engineering to deliver extraordinary impact for the UK and provide the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life. From accelerating new antibiotics and more effective cancer treatments to developing unhackable quantum communications and superfast 5G, our expertise is crucial in researching, developing and testing new products and processes.

Company info
Website
Location
Hampton Road
Teddington
Middlesex
TW11 0LW
GB

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