Senior Scientist - Underwater Acoustics

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 National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join our Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group in Teddington.

NPL is world-leading in this area and has a suite of dedicated facilities, including laboratory tanks, an acoustics pressure vessel and an open-water site. You will join NPL at an exciting time of growth where there will be a great opportunity to maximise impact from high-quality science.

As a Senior Scientist at NPL, your role will involve:

• Leading cutting-edge research, recognising aspects that could be commercially viable


• Developing improved acoustic modelling techniques to augment measurements made utilising NPL’s specialised laboratory facilities


• Developing improved data analysis techniques for experimental data derived from ocean acoustic measurements


• contributing to collaborative research projects with NPL’s partners, both nationally and internationally


• leading the technical work of NPL projects, including preparation of project proposals and supervising and guiding the work of more junior staff


• the opportunity to contribute to scientific output through journal publications and conferences, and to represent the UK on technical standards committees.


• Representing NPL to promote our work and raise our profile


• Crafting winning bids, in line with NPL’s growth strategy


• Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities


• Presenting NPL’s work at conferences and in scientific papers

About You

As a Senior Scientist, you will play key role in delivering NPL’s scientific work, contributing to research and development projects, requiring a careful, methodical approach and attention to detail.

What you will bring to the role:

• Proven experience in a similar Scientist role, well-established in the field with a significant scientific profile


• Demonstrable scientific understanding of ocean acoustics and marine acoustic technology


• Graduate or post-graduate qualification in Physics or Acoustics or a related discipline


• Able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in technical reports and proposals


• Experience in supporting and developing junior members of the team


• In-depth understanding of the underlying physical principles, and the ability to problem solve and propose appropriate technical solutions


• Experience in developing software for finite element modelling, acoustic propagation and data analysis


• Ability to problem solve and propose appropriate technical solutions


• A demonstrated capability for mathematical modelling


• Ability to interact and network with collaborators and future customers


• Ability to work to deadlines within a team


• Have an awareness of the industry and business

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 specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. To work in this role at NPL, you will need to have an SC clearance, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

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 DSIT 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 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.