Analytical Chemist - Operational Support

Location: Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire

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.

You will have the unique opportunity to work across the breadth of the capability, from fundamental research and development of novel methodologies, to validation and future exploitation of the methods for analysis of real world samples. This also includes participation in national and international proficiency testing. This opportunity enables the candidate to contribute to the team’s on-call rota which responds to urgent analytical requirements that are operationally-critical to UK defence and security. 

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 technical support to laboratory based research, analysis and evaluation of novel methodologies to help inform customer decision-making;
• Receive training on the analysis of samples using accredited methods, participate in QCs and annual proficiency testing schemes;
• Analyse real world environmental and/or biomedical samples;
• Be required to work outside of normal working hours/patterns (e.g. evenings, weekends) as part of an on-call rota system;
• Develop safety cases for laboratory based methodologies that meet appropriate health and safety legislation and standards;
• Develop technical project proposals to meet customer requirements;
• Undertake R&D method validations including planning, experimental and reporting;
• 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:

Level 4 position:

• Knowledge and experience in using analytical techniques including gas chromatography (various detectors i.e MS, FPD, NPD) and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry  of small molecules and/or peptides;
• 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 and high pressure environment;
• 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.

Safety

You will use safe working practices ensuring that you and your colleagues report on any unsafe practices, no matter how big or small. You will, follow safety guidelines, respecting and contributing to a strong Dstl safety culture.

Level 5 position (in addition must meet criteria for Level 4):

• Experience of successfully leading small technical teams and meeting delivery milestones;
• In depth knowledge and current experience in using analytical techniques including gas chromatography (various detectors i.e MS, FPD, NPD) and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry  of small molecules and/or peptides;
• The ability to critically analyse data and deliver research outputs that align with customer requirements;
• Consistently delivers to a high standard and takes pride in their work;
• Ability to adapt and flex approach to changes in customer priorities and high pressure environment;
• The ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team;
• Championing creativity within the research and development area;
• Continued drive to develop their personal and professional skills through training and mentorship;
• Experience of developing the technical skills and those of less experienced staff through training and mentorship;
• The experience in maintaining science and technology networks whilst actively seeking opportunities for organisational, national and international collaboration.

Safety

• Pro-actively support safe working practices, appreciating the need for colleague welfare is the top priority for Dstl. You will take responsibility for working safely and report on any practices, no matter how big or small, to mitigate any potential risks.

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. 

Qualifications

BSc degree in a chemistry related subject

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace;
• Managing a Quality Service;
• Communicating and Influencing;
• Working Together.

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Teamwork is fundamental in the work we do. Please give examples (no more than three) 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 state which position (Level 4 or 5 or both) you would like to be considered for and how your skills and experience met the requirements for the position (s)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,001, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £8,401 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

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 commencing14th October with interviews to be arranged from the 4th November.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact:

Name: Dstl Recruitment Team

Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days. Should we be unable to resolve your complaint you are entitled to escalate this to the Civil Service Commission.