National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Higher Scientist
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About the Role
NPL is seeking a Scientist/Engineer or Higher Scientist in Biofoundry Automation to support the UK Reference Biofoundry. Based in Teddington, the post will be integrated within the NPL’s research programme and capabilities for Engineering Biology, Metrology, and Standards including Cryo-EM laboratories.
This full-time Research Scientist job comes with a generous salary and benefits package.
You will join a multidisciplinary team developing reference materials, methods, and datasets to address the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in Engineering Biology.
In your work at NPL, you will:
- Maintain and develop software to orchestrate workflows for DNA and cell engineering
- Support data curation and machine-readable governance
- Maintain and implement data interoperability for AI-ready datasets
- Prepare technical data reports for publications and commercial contracts
- Contribute to the delivery of collaborative R&D projects in the UK and internationally
About You
With a degree in engineering, physical, or computer sciences, you
- Have a solid knowledge in programming and coding (Python, Java)
- Possess practical skills in machine learning, automated, and robotic systems
- Demonstrate a customer-focused attitude and a good team working ethos
- Work following standard operating procedures and health and safety regulations
Advantageous skills include experience:
- In high throughput analysis (DNA, cells), microfluidics, and microarrays
- Working in or with commercial companies or bio-foundries
- In single particle analysis, bioinformatics, or omics
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
There will also be opportunities to develop and harness these skills in the NPL.
For research examples, please see:
- Boeuf, A. et al. Nat Phys
- Dondi, C., et al Nat Commun
- Hoose, A, et al. Nat Rev Chem
- Briones, A. et al iScience
- Kepiro, I. et al. ACS Nano
- De Santis, E. et al, Nat Commun
For industry case studies, please see:
- Supporting the UK Biotechnology Industry
- Optimising Viral Vaccine Development
- 3D Bio-Processor Technology Synthetic Biology
This role is being advertised across multiple salary zones. Offer and salary will be dependent on experience.
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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
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.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills