Principal Scientist (Engineering & Manufacturing)

The Manufacturing Metrology Group at NPL has a mission to facilitate confidence in measurement data in manufacturing products and processes.

The way that things are made is changing, with a growing requirement to measure in new ways and collect data to improve products and processes. To allow decisions to be made based on this data, or for new measurement technologies to replace existing methods, there needs to be trust in the data. The group has expertise in CMM measurement, which they have built on with complementing knowledge around Digitisation, non - contact metrology and image analysis / machine vision. We have a research programme in these areas, but we are also specifically looking to provide commercial services to industry in order to allow them to access our expertise.

We are now looking for a Principle Scientist to provide the scientific leadership to the group to help our scientists to achieve maximum impact to the Manufacturing industry. This will involve continuing to evolve the strategy for the group to deliver impactful, high quality research and commercial services.

You will join the group at an exciting time. While the overall strategic direction is clear, there is a need to refine this further and establish more detail in the specific areas - you will be instrumental in shaping our future

We are looking for a scientist with several (a minimum of 5) years of experience in one of the technologies we work in (CMM, Non-contact measurement, image analysis / XCT or Industry 4.0).

Because you will need to offer scientific leadership across all aspects of the group, you should have an interest in and be open to learning about the other areas. You must be comfortable working with a multidisciplinary team with diverse backgrounds.

This role requires a relevant academic qualification to at least Degree level, ideally Masters or PhD in an Engineering or Science subject.

The Group works extensively with the Manufacturing Industry, and it is important that you demonstrate experience in scoping and delivering projects within or in collaboration with industrial companies and can discuss the impact your work has had on these companies.

Essential Skills

· Commitment to Health, Safety and Quality.

· Experience in writing successful applications for Innovate and / or Horizon projects

· Have experience in leading teams of scientists, although not necessarily in a line management role.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills. You should be able to influence both technical and non-technical audiences, and to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

· Technical business development.

· Proven expertise in one of the key group technical areas.

· Ability to define and deliver on scientific strategy.

· Strong in problem definition and problem solving.

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, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All dis 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 accreditation 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.