Thomas Jubb

Where in Kromek do you work?

I work in the Innovations Department from the Sedgefield, County Durham office.

What did you do before you joined Kromek?

After making a long haul trip to Durham University from my home town of Bournemouth, I spent eight years completing a BSc, Masters and PhD in theoretical physics (specializing in astrophysics and detection of dark matter). Whilst completing my PhD, I took three months out to work at Kromek developing techniques and algorithms to detect liquid explosives in airport scanners.

I then spent six months in Abingdon-on-Thames working as a software developer in C++ and Python, working on the software for analysis of data from the Diamond Light Source based at the Rutherford Appleton Labs.

Realising my potential in innovation and radiation physics I made the move back to the North East to work with Kromek on a permanent basis.

What do you do at Kromek?

I work day-to-day in the field of aviation security developing and testing detectors and algorithms to meet the challenges of the day in explosive detection. My days are varied between lab measurements, experiment design and data collections, and developing theoretical tools such as simulations and techniques for material detection. I travel frequently to interface with colleagues abroad and to meet with customers, and experts in various disciplines. All of this contributes to vibrant R&D projects and make Kromek such a varied and innovative place to work.

What’s the best thing about working for Kromek?

I am given the freedom to explore ideas and to direct my own work; whilst having the support of a fantastic team around me. We have some incredible problem solvers and every week is a new opportunity to learn.

What do you do in your spare time?

From my time as a software developer I am often playing around with code; recently I am trying to broaden my skill set with some electronics projects. I am a keen mineral collector and like to spend a day exploring old mine workings in the local area. Mostly though, I am found sat with a coffee in a local café reading or coding.