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Are you looking for a rewarding career as a Microbiologists or Biomedical / Pharmacological Research scientist?
Would you like exciting work, alongside interesting people and with access to knowledge available nowhere else, with the opportunity for continued self-development?
Would you like to work on unique projects helping to protect the security and stability of the UK and partner nations?
If so now is an exciting time to join The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) as we look forward to shaping the future by pushing the boundaries on technology advancements and new concepts. Driven by our core values, we are consistent in challenging the norms, embracing diversity and rewarding innovation. When you join us you will be a member of a diverse community of scientists where you will feel motivated by the opportunities to develop your own learning, drive your own career and deliver impactful Science and Technology in the process.
In these roles you will gain exposure to innovative technologies and seek to build an in-depth understanding of how Scientists shape the future of defence and security.
Dstl who?
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science, technology and engineering arm of the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
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
- Work on a variety of interesting and challenging problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere
- Make a difference and have pride in what you do; our work improves the front-line capability of the UK Armed Forces and Government, keeps UK citizens safe and supports national prosperity. We are proud of our impartial status, doing things for the right reasons.
- Form links across Government, Industry and Academia. Work with an array of partners both at home and abroad including the Armed Forces, other Government departments, Industry and Academia,
- Drive your career, with great opportunities to gain new skills and qualifications, work with leading experts and ensure your working life is never boring.
If you are someone who loves problem solving, then this is your opportunity to tackle the problems the UK and our allies face both today and in the future!
Person specification
We are looking for someone who has:
- STEM related academic knowledge
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Good problem solving skills
- The ability to work on unbounded problems and apply scientific knowledge to them
- The passion to keep learning and developing themselves
- The desire to understand how things work and to improve them
- The ability to work independently and in teams
- The ability to work outside of their comfort zone
- Self-starting skills (i.e. confidence, motivation, innovation, creativity)
- Integrity
You must have a Scientific Degree in an appropriate subject such as (but not limited to) the following;
- Microbiology,
- Immunology,
- Bacteriology,
- Biological Sciences,
- Virology,
- Molecular Biology,
- Pharmacology,
- Biochemistry,
- Neuroscience,
- Toxicology,
- Biomedical engineering
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.
Qualifications
- Appropriate degree
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Please state your degree title and module
- State key areas of interest (50 words max)
- Explain how your skills and experiences fit with the work of Dstl (https://bit.ly/3rJiVCD )
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. In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
- Flexible working: Working options include alternative working patterns, compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours
- Flexible working hours: Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
- Annual leave: A generous annual leave allowance starting at 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: Encouragement and support on charterships, accreditations and access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Paid memberships with 2 relevant bodies/institutions. Employees have access to Civil Service Learning.
- Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
The information pack can be found attached to the job specification on Civil Service Jobs.
