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Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.
NPL is looking for a senior expert in with demonstrable world leading experience in Underwater Acoustics to join us as a Principal Scientist. Research is what drives our business. And it will be up to you to develop and lead your team, setting your technical area’s strategic direction and ensuring your vision is delivered. When it comes to solutions, you don’t just rely on established methodologies. To get the results you seek, you’re willing to challenge what we do and how we do it, so that we’re expanding our capability. In doing so, you’ll be able to drive collaboration – internally and externally – to enhance activity and optimise commercial opportunities. Your passion for your work, means you already have a great network though which you’ll promote our work, representing NPL and speaking wherever you’re needed. As your work progresses, and new learnings established, you’ll make sure you bring the team with you – training and developing them so that they grow with us.   The responsibilities of the Principal Scientist within Underwater Acoustics will include:

• Leading, designing and executing experimental and theoretical research including development of novel measurement tools and methods in support of current and future underwater acoustic applications
• Creating a vision for the underwater acoustics in the Ultrasound & Underwater Acoustics Group, addressing UK government challenges for the underwater acoustics area
• Playing a leading role on national and international standards committees, representing NPL and the UK at international meetings
• Leading and fostering the team’s engagement with UK and overseas organisations (other National Metrology Institutes, UK Government, Academia and Commercial Customers) to maintain NPL position as a leading NMI in underwater acoustics
• Responding to commercial and grant-based ITTs and obtaining research funding for this area aligned with NPL strategic priorities
• Consulting and working in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to determine how NPL can provide support to improve the quality of methods and tools used for underwater acoustic applications, and develop tools and methods for future applications that require traceability
• Working in partnership with other NPL departments, and collaborating across NPL to develop new opportunities and to develop new research and service opportunities including establishment of mutually beneficial collaborations and nurturing of existing partnerships
• Planning and management of science portfolio, including development of project proposals, management of projects to achieve results in accordance with milestone schedules and within budget, and development of partnerships with other internal and external partners
• Working with industry partners to establish formal collaborative agreements to create innovative, high-impact research programs, and transfer their successes directly to industry

The position will be based at NPL's Teddington site, involving occasional travel, such as Customer site visits, in situ measurements work and representing NPL at national and international meetings, conferences and events.