Higher Scientist

NPL is seeking an experienced Higher Scientist to join our Quantum Photonics team within our Quantum Technologies Department, based in Teddington to plan and deliver a number of technical activities to take our research to the next level. This full-time position comes with a generous salary and benefits package. As a Higher Scientist, you'll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research. Also, if commercial opportunities arise from your work, you'll need to flag these - as this is how new products and services are born. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you
• Developing partnerships to strengthen our capability
• Acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do
• Providing technical support for any bids, we may be undertaking
The team undertakes research to improve understanding of the science underpinning photonic quantum information hardware- e.g. single-photon sources and detectors, quantum key distribution and quantum communication systems, and quantum random number generators -and their applications. You will be joining the team at an exciting time, as it extends this work to construct the first quantum network testbed at NPL. A permanent position is available to join our team of multi-disciplinary scientists and engineers. In addition to those described above, the activities of the group include test and evaluation of photonic quantum information hardware, and working with industry to provide solutions to current and future measurement challenges. The initial focus of this position will be to develop a device-independent quantum random number generator for a broadcast service and implement a device-independent communication protocol on the NPL quantum network testbed. This activity is part of the work programme of the new EPSRC Integrated Quantum Networks Research Hub and will require close collaboration with the theory team led by Prof. Roger Colbeck at York. You will also be required to contribute to the NPL Quantum Photonics team's overarching activity to develop the metrology to measure critical physical parameters of photonic quantum information components and systems. The role will also involve working closely with the emerging quantum industry to provide expertise to solve their measurement challenges. Your role will evolve with the technology landscape, and we are seeking someone with the potential to progress in seniority. Our work is performed in collaboration with leading UK and international researchers from industry and academia, and our counterparts at other national laboratories. You will have the opportunity to publish your work in high-impact academic journals and present it at prestigious international conferences.,
• Devising experimental methods to implement and characterise optical quantum information devices and systems
• Building experimental set-ups and bespoke instrumentation
• Designing and implementing control and data analysis software
• Analytic and numerical analysis of experimental data
• Collaborating with external partners
• Preparing and presenting project and internal reports
• Writing scientific papers and presenting at conferences
• Contributing to the drafting of international standards
• Leading cutting-edge research, recognising aspects that could be commercially viable and work to grow and maintain a strong industrial network
• Providing technical support for, or leading, winning bids in line with NPL's growth strategy
• Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities
• Representing NPL to promote our work and raise our profile
  
  To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:
Essential:
• Experimental experience with photonic systems (fibre, free-space or 'on-chip')
• PhD, or equivalent experience, in experimental physics, engineering or hardware development
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing your time according to priorities
• A rigorous approach to problem solving and ability to develop solutions to difficult problems
• An inquisitive mind and willingness to interact dynamically within the team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Advantageous:
• Experience with single-photon sources and detectors, photonic homodyne detection techniques, quantum photonic technologies
• Programming experience; LabVIEW and MATLAB/Python are preferable
• Electronics design and implementation
• Theoretical experience related to quantum photonics
• An established track record in a relevant scientific area
• Experience of relevant technical work in a commercial environment
• Experience of collaborating with external partners, including industry
• Experience of developing innovative solution to technical challenges faced by industry
  
  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 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.