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  • About the Role
  • Are you interested in a career in scientific research?

At NPL, we are looking for graduates with a real passion for tackling some of the biggest challenges in industry, energy, the environment, and healthcare to join our Science groups. We pledge that NPL will be a place to create a positive impact for the world and your career.

As a Scientist on the two-year NPL Graduate Programme you will join one of our departments – which all push the boundaries of what is possible. You’ll be matched based on your background and interest. Within your department, you’ll rotate across 2 or 3 technical areas to gain broad experience of our scientific work and explore different specialisms. These rotations are designed to help you build strong technical foundations and transition into a permanent Scientist role at the end of the programme. You will be hands-on with projects that enable you to develop your technical experience. Alongside this, the programme will support your development with soft skills training.

You will be contributing and responding to the national challenges of:

  • Prosperity: delivering measurement solutions to maximise innovation and prosperity in advanced manufacturing
  • Security and resilience: managing the risks to our national security and resilience infrastructure
  • Environment: science-directed measurement solutions for environment climate action and a sustainable future
  • Health: supporting healthcare, life science and the bio economy

You will be based at our Teddington site and will be working on laboratory and/or data-based projects through practical and theory-based learning. Once you have completed the two-year programme you will join us as a permanent Scientist. The focus is on helping you to become a capable technical expert and we will provide the space and support so you can be the best version of yourself, as well as the tools to navigate the different demands of our work.

Graduate placements are expected to be available across a range of scientific departments at NPL. While final allocations will be confirmed closer to the start date, you may have the opportunity to work in the following areas: (to find out more information please click on the department name):

  • Time and Frequency
  • Data Science
  • Quantum Technologies
  • Electromagnetic & Electrochemical Technologies
  • Chemical and Biological Sciences
  • Medical, Marine and Nuclear
  • Atmospheric and Environmental Science
  • Thermal and Radiometric Metrology
  • Materials and Mechanical Metrology

What we can offer you:

As a Graduate Scientist at NPL, you will have the chance to collaborate with a variety of teams, primarily to support your scientific work and to help you establish networks. You’ll be expected to use logical thinking skills for designing and following a work plan, along with developing technical documents as well as scientific publications. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with analysing complex data sets such as (e.g., satellite imagery or instrument readings) which may lead to developing and creating new software tools. A key part of the role will be ensuring you are adhering to our Health & Safety and Quality systems which will help you produce accurate and repeatable results. You will also gain additional skills to support you in the role through our core professional skills development programme.

You will also be involved in supporting our community benefit activities – this may be going to local schools, supporting Outreach or helping at large NPL events. We will provide you with the opportunity to be part of a caring and daring community that truly values you and your contribution.

About the process:

  • Submit your CV with application form
  • Complete Online Assessment
  • First stage telephone interview
  • If you’re selected, you’ll attend an assessment centre, which will be held at our Teddington site in April 2026
  • If successful, we look forward to welcoming you in September 2026!
  • About You
  • To be successful in the Graduate Scientist role, you will have the following skills and qualifications:
  • Have achieved or be on target to achieve a degree, or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics or relevant field. (unfortunately we are unable to progress candidates with Biology, Biomedical, Bioscience, Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical subject degrees at this time)
  • The ability to work in a team to achieve a common goal, with good communication and collaboration skills
  • Enjoy problem solving and can demonstrate critical thinking, assessing the pros and cons of your approach
  • Have written scientific technical reports during your studies, or are willing to learn if your experience was acquired in a different setting
  • Ability to complete work which requires a high level of attention to detail
  • Understand the value of providing good customer service, delivering high quality work and proactive communication
  • Committed to your personal development and taking on learning opportunities to get the most from the role
  • Be eligible to live and work in the UK at the time you start employment (we cannot provide visa sponsorship at this time)

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 or Security Clearance depending on the department you work within.

We want to hear your story—your ideas, your experiences, and your aspirations. Please complete your application without using AI tools, so we can get to know the real you and what makes you stand out.

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. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

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 ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on 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 rewards, benefits and recognition. 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.