Principal Analytical Chemist – Protein and Peptide Mass Spectrometry

Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 10th October 2024

Location Dstl Porton Down Salisbury Wiltshire SP4 0JQ

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.

Our Analytical Chemistry Capability is the UK’s centre of excellence for identification, quantification and attribution of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in environmental and clinical samples.

We require a highly motivated and experienced analytical chemist, with proven leadership skills and with expertise in analysing proteins/peptides by mass spectrometry to help advance our capability to analyse toxins and related chemicals.

You will be part of the Analytical Chemistry Team and be responsible for leading small technical teams to deliver fundamental research and development of novel methodologies, conduct method validations and future exploitation of the methods for analysis of real world samples using liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and associated techniques (e.g. nano-LC). This also includes participation in national and international benchmarking exercises. 

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:

• Lead small teams in research and development to enhance Dstl’s capability for identification of toxins and related chemicals using protein/peptide mass spectrometry;
• Share knowledge and experience to nurture the team’s development;
• Be responsible for maintaining a suite of state of the art analytical chemistry instrumentation. Supplement this with new hardware and software as necessary, to provide cutting edge solutions to meet customer ambitions;
• Prepare new project proposals to meet customer requirements;
• Lead planning, delivery and reporting of research or method validations;
• Provide clear and timely communication, both written and verbal, on project outcomes to enable science and technology informed decisions for Dstl and its customers;
• Network with specialists internal and external to Dstl to seek out opportunities to boost innovation and delivery;
• Provide timely technical advice support to the team, projects and inform customer decision-making.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong theoretical knowledge and practical experience in LC-HRMS of proteins/peptides;
• Knowledge of relevant data analysis/interpretation software such as Proteome Discoverer, Mascot or similar;
• Experience of method development and validation, ideally within a quality framework;
• The ability to critically analyse data and deliver research outputs that align with customer requirements;
• A passion for innovation and proven track record of research and development;
• Pride in their work and delivers to a high standard;
• Experience of successfully leading technical teams and meeting delivery milestones;
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
• The ability to adapt and flex approach to changes in customer priorities and high pressure environment;
• Continued drive to develop their personal and professional skills through training and mentorship;
• Experience of developing technical skills of less experienced staff through training and mentorship;
• 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.

Leadership

As a leader in Defence you will help shape, role model and bring to life the ‘One Defence’ mindset that will enable us to deliver our vision and strategic objectives. Your leadership style must be inspiring, confident and empowering. Working at every level of our organisation to break down silos, unite teams and create a culture that is trusting, collaborative, innovative, diverse and inclusive. Enabling us to deliver with pace and agility through the skills, commitment and empowerment of our employees and military colleagues.

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. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Dstl Recruitment Team.

Qualifications

• BSc degree in a chemistry or biosciences related subject.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together;
• Delivering at Pace;
• Communicating and Influencing;
• Leadership;
• Developing Self and Others.

Technical skills

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

• Teamwork is fundamental in the work we do. Please give 1 example of where you have worked within a team. You should give examples of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them;
• Please detail your practical experience of using LC-HRMS in the analysis of proteins/peptides describing any technical challenges you overcame;
• Please detail what interests you in the role and how you believe you meet the knowledge, skills and experience requirements.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,900, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £13,586 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 commencing 14th 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.