Dstl Graduate

Scratch the surface to reveal the reality behind the mystery of a career with Dstl.

If you are driven by curiosity, solving problems and are studying a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics), social science or humanities degree (eg history, war studies), we are keen to hear from you. Full list of degrees attached on .Gov!

So, who is Dstl?

An Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence, Dstl is the Science Inside UK Defence and Security. From DNA batteries to anthropology, cyber security and software development to aircraft survivability, operational research to vital vaccine research – the breadth and depth of what we do is extra-ordinary.

A lot of the work you can get involved in has to stay secret, which means we can’t tell you a lot of what happens underneath the surface. What we can say is the projects Dstl work on has a genuine impact on protecting our nation.

We stretch the boundaries of research, technology and science and apply them in unexpected ways.

What roles have we got for you?

You can start your journey on a graduate scheme (which may include rotations and an industrial placement) or directly into a role – either way you will make real impact.

The transferability of your skill set in your degree discipline feeds into the incredible variety of work we do – potentially in areas you’ve never even considered. Explore what our divisions can tell you!

You can check out the spreadsheet on CS Jobs to see where your degree will fit at Dstl.

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.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

Job description

As a graduate, what will you do?

We can’t tell you too much about that, until you start (and have your clearance), but here’s a flavour:

• challenge conventional thinking, contribute to, and take pride in working on life-saving projects
• partner with industry and represent Dstl to external suppliers, customers and stakeholders
• practice your coding, operational research, analytical, mathematical, engineering or scientific skills in our workshops, laboratories or collaboration spaces
• learn and improve your skills and knowledge from our friendly experts – and teach them!
• explore the organisation, making the most of opportunities getting involved in trials, working groups or seminars
• network across Government, industry and academia.

We are genuine when we say no two days are the same!

Why Dstl?

That’s simple –your career journey will start at an organisation that empowers and supports you to create your OWN career pathway. You will spend roughly 75% of your time on site taking advantage of our facilities and working closely with expert colleagues. You will also spend time on customer sites working and engaging with our customers and stakeholders.

Worried about the commute? We have handy shuttle services in Salisbury and Portsmouth.  Or a cycle to work scheme if you live closer.

Don’t forget to check out all our benefits…they’re too good not to share!

Person specification

What are we looking for in a graduate at Dstl:

• A degree in a relevant subject (this is a non-exhaustive list, a full list can be found attached to CSJobs - software, sciences, humanities, maths, electronics, engineering, physics, chemistry, aviation/aerospace, forensics)
• effective communication skills
• problem solving skills
• passion for ongoing learning and self-development opportunities and the willingness to develop others.
• curiosity and tenacity to understand how things work and to improve them
• adaptability to work independently and in teams
• ability and desire to challenge yourself and work outside of your comfort zone
• self-starting skills such as confidence, motivation, innovation and creativity
• to agree and uphold our values – impactful, innovative and collaborative

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. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.