Analytical Chemist - Analytical Support
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 31st October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) delivers high-impact science for the UK's defence, security and prosperity. In order to do this, we need self-motivated people who can apply their skills to ensure we are at the forefront of science. We work in niche areas which are sensitive in nature, operationally-critical to the UK and internationally recognised in importance.
The successful candidate will work as part of the analytical chemistry team where they will have the unique opportunity to work across the breadth of the capability and range of analytical instrumentation, providing critical and customised chemical analysis for physical protection and detection procurement programmes, UK and international trials for hazard assessment of threat chemicals, and in support of health and safety activities.
You will receive appropriate training to work safely and securely in our laboratories, within an ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
Job description
In this role you will:
- Have the opportunity to use a wide range of analytical chemistry instrumentation and be able to perform troubleshooting and maintenance
- Provide timely analyses to internal customer projects to help inform external protection and detection procurement programmes
- Conduct analysis in support of health and safety activities
- Receive training on the analysis of samples using validated methods
- Develop safety cases for laboratory based methodologies that meet appropriate health and safety legislation and standards
- Network with specialists internal and external to Dstl to seek out developments in related technical areas and use these networks to boost innovation
Person specification
We are looking for someone who has:
- Knowledge and experience in using analytical techniques including gas chromatography (various detectors i.e MS, FPD, ECD) and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
- Experience in sample preparation methods
- Delivers to a high standard and takes pride in their work
- Ability to adapt and flex approach to changes in customer priorities
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Creative within the research and development area
- Desire to develop their personal and professional skills through training and mentorship
Important Information
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.
This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.
Location/Working Pattern
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of workplace and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement. This role will require significant attendance on site.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Teamwork is fundamental in the work we do. Please give an example of where you have worked within a team. You should give examples of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
- This role will require troubleshooting skills to overcome technical problems. Please give two examples of when you have used initiative and problem solving skills
- Please detail what interests you in the role and how you believe you meet the knowledge, skills and experience requirements.
Benefits
Benefits
Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:
Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
Sifting will take place week commencing 11th November with interviews to be arranged from the 25th November
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
- Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Further information
