National Physical Laboratory |

As the UK's National Measurement Institute, NPL develops and maintains the national primary measurement standards. From developing the UK’s first nationally distributed timing infrastructure to unhackable quantum communications and superfast 5G, technological advances must be built on a foundation of reliable measurement to succeed.

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 and Engineering groups.

NPL provides the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK's National Metrology Institute (NMI), developing and maintaining the national primary measurement standards, as well as collaborating with other NMIs to maintain the international system of measurement.

As a public sector research establishment, we deliver extraordinary impact by providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life. We develop the metrology required to ensure the timely and successful deployment of new technologies and work with organisations as they develop and test new products and processes.

In this digital age, our world-leading measurement science provides confidence in data, which enables innovation and international trade to flourish. We align our capabilities with the most important national challenges like energy, health, security, net zero and the prosperity of the nation, and lead major national programmes that deliver impact across the UK.

NPL as a working environment

Our success comes from attracting energetic and imaginative people who share our values. We are proud to be a world-class organisation doing exceptional science, and to have an atmosphere of support and collaboration. At every level, in every area of our business, we seek to nurture and respect our people. Together, we support each other to grow, succeed and enjoy work.

NPL is a unique place to work. Our culture mixes elements of academia, industry and commerce to create a working environment all of our own.

The total team numbers around 900 and growing. You’ll find scientists and engineers from all over the world in our labs – as well as a wide range of commercial and operational specialists. Across the organisation, there’s a very collegiate, co-operative feel to the way we work.

The sense of community extends to time outside work. We have a thriving sports and social club, with activities like yoga, cricket, boardgaming, football, tennis and mindfulness. NPL even has its own wine society and a choir.

NPL’s aims

Creating impact from science and engineering

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.

Our science helps save lives, protect the environment and enable citizens to feel safe and secure. For over a century, we have worked with industry to encourage innovation and translate scientific expertise into economic prosperity, skilled employment and improved quality of life.

In this digital age, our world-leading measurement science provides confidence in data and enables innovation and international trade to flourish. We develop the metrology required to ensure the timely and successful deployment of new technologies.

Our values are the common thread that shapes the way we work with each other and our clients, how we celebrate success and how we go about achieving our mission to provide the measurement capability that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life.

They form part of the recruitment and selection process; you can expect that we will ask you competency-based questions in interviews, specifically linked to our values. We use them to shape many of the ways in which we interact, including how we provide feedback to each other, how we develop people and what we celebrate.

We recognise and celebrate our employees , either as individuals or teams, who are living our values through outstanding behaviour and achievements.

Employees may be awarded:

• On-the-spot thanks - these are a ‘thank you’ to an individual or team to recognise a great job, a particular project or a behaviour that exemplifies our values.
• Our values awards - these reward employees whose contribution and/or behaviour is exceptional in the context of our values. This might occur over a sustained period or could be a one-off.

Our success relies on the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals so everyone feels valued and supported to excel in their chosen field. This value is at the core of our organisation.

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we signed up to the Institute of Physics’ Project Juno in 2015 as a Juno Supporter. NPL were proud to be awarded Juno Practitioner status in 2018. NPL also joined Stonewall as a Diversity champion in 2015. In 2018, NPL became a member of the Business Disability Forum and joined the Disability Confident scheme as level 1 committed employer.

Diversity and Inclusion's role in delivering our vision, KPTs and values

NPL is diverse and inclusive, we want to constantly improve and challenge ourselves to be better. We have a range of initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D & I), such as our Diversity and Inclusion Task Force who are individuals who bring together people from across NPL to promote inclusive working practices and ensure that diverse views are represented in the formulation of key strategic objectives.

We are in the process of developing the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to support and help us achieve our vision to be best in class in Diversity and Inclusion (D & I).

Diversity and inclusion infrastructure

NPL has always been a proud employer of a diverse and inclusive workforce, offering support to all with a range of Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Overall Executive sponsorship is key to ensure strong and visible leadership across the business and to embed Diversity and Inclusion across NPL. Leaders will present strong unified messages around diversity and inclusion with support and guidance from the Diversity and inclusion Manager and the D&I task force. More importantly creating a culture free of discrimination relies on the efforts of each and every employee at NPL.

• Annual leave. Your annual leave entitlement will be 27 days per annum.
• Flexible working. Work-life balance is important to NPL, so an opportunity to explore flexible working options is open to you (subject to business requirements).
• Disability leave. We offer paid disability leave for staff with disabilities and long-term conditions to attend planned appointments related to their disability and/or condition.
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay. We offer enhanced maternity and adoption pay for our employees dependent on your length of service.
• Workplace nursery*. On-site childcare in the form of a subsidised workplace nursery
• Employee assistance programme. A free and confidential service which provides practical and impartial advice by phone or an online wellbeing hub available 24/7.
• Recognition awards. We recognise outstanding behaviours and achievements in line with our organisational values.
• Pension scheme. NPL will match your contribution up to and including 5%, if your contribution reaches 6% we will contribute 9%.
• Interest free loans. Up to £5k repaid over an agreed period for all permanent and fixed term employees to support with season ticket purchase, house purchase deposit, rental deposit and provide financial support with hardship loans.
• Life assurance. Life cover equal to three times your annual basic salary at the time of death, subject to the rules of the scheme (amended from time to time).
• Bike4Work scheme. The opportunity to exchange part of your salary in return for the lease of a bicycle.
• A host of clubs and activities*. We have a thriving sports and social club. Activities include: yoga, cricket, football, tennis and mindfulness. NPL even has its own wine society and a choir.
• Civil Service Sports and Leisure. NPL staff are eligible to join this scheme for a monthly charge, and get access to discounts for cinema tickets, gym membership and entrance fees to attractions.