We’re delighted to support the new Daphne Jackson Research Technical Professional Fellowship in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). This opportunity is ideal for someone with a technical background in science or engineering who is looking to return to a hands-on role in a world-leading research environment.
The fellowship will be based within NPL’s Time and Frequency group, home to more than 50 technical professionals and scientists who support the UK’s national timekeeping infrastructure — from maintaining atomic clocks to running high-precision time dissemination services that underpin everything from financial markets to mobile networks.
Supporting the Science Behind the Science
At NPL, research technical professionals play a critical role. Whether it’s developing and maintaining cutting-edge instrumentation, running advanced lab systems, or contributing to the smooth operation of national measurement services, technical professionals are at the very core of scientific progress.
NPL is at the heart of a UK-wide time and frequency renaissance. When I started, I was focused on upgrading the national time scale UTC(NPL) with a new resilient network of atomic clocks. The labs are state-of-the-art, and the department is incredibly supportive of people’s individual technical interests and career development.”
- Douglas Jones, NPL Scientist
The Time and Frequency team maintains and operates UTC(NPL), the UK’s national time scale, and provides a range of critical services such as the MSF radio time signal, NPL’s internet time service, and NPLTime®, a secure time distribution service used by major industries.
A Technically Challenging, Personally Supportive Environment
This fellowship offers a rare chance to re-enter the field in a technical capacity — not only with access to cutting-edge facilities and expert colleagues, but within a workplace that actively supports flexible working, inclusivity, and wellbeing.
Principal scientist Dr Anne Curtis speaks highly of the organisation’s family-friendly policies:
I took advantage of the on-site nursery to make the transition back to work much easier after my maternity leave. I was able to go over to the nursery to breastfeed in the early days, and to give myself more time with my children on the daily commute with them (by train) out to Teddington.
“I was able to change my working hours and even go part-time for a year to manage my work-life balance better when my children were young.”
Whether you’re supporting the development of next-generation optical frequency standards or maintaining high-precision measurement equipment, you’ll find collaboration, flexibility, and support at NPL.
A Place Where Technicians Thrive
NPL values the expertise of its research technical professionals and is committed to helping them develop and grow. From supporting cross-departmental collaboration to encouraging further study, NPL sees technical professionals not as support staff but as scientific enablers and innovators in their own right.
“The department supported my move from one technical team to another and encouraged me to pursue further PhD studies while continuing in my role. The inquisitive nature and genuine interest of my colleagues are what make NPL such an inspiring place to work.”
- Douglas Jones, NPL Scientist
NPL’s commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in their Stronger Together Everyone Matters campaign, which celebrates diversity and encourages staff to share their stories and experiences to create a more empathetic workplace.
Apply Now
If you’re a STEM professional from a technical background looking to return to a hands-on role in science or engineering after a career break, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your skills, contribute to a vital area of national infrastructure, and thrive in an environment that truly values your contribution. With the support and benefits of a Daphne Jackson Fellowship, including training and the mentorship of a dedicated and experienced Fellowship Advisor support you can return to your career with confidence.
Applications for the NPL Daphne Jackson Research Technical Professional Fellowship are now open.
