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- Tasks: Join our team as a Synthetic Chemist Research Technician, working on exciting energetic materials research.
- Company: Dstl is at the forefront of defence and security research in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative lab environment with friendly scientists making a real impact on UK security.
- Qualifications: Experience in a chemistry lab and a strong commitment to health and safety are essential.
- Other info: This role requires UK nationality and security clearance; full training will be provided.
The predicted salary is between 18800 - 23800 £ per year.
This position will require 100% attendance on-site due to the nature of this role.
Dstl is seeking a Synthetic Chemist Research Technician to join our dynamic team, working at the forefront of Chemistry and Energetics.
In This Role You will:
- Work collaboratively to achieve set objectives while managing the housekeeping of our Synthetic Chemistry laboratories.
- Maintain and operate a range of scientific and analytical equipment.
- Keep stock levels in check through regular audits.
- Ensure chemical inventories are accurately tracked via a database.
- Facilitate the safe and timely disposal of laboratory and general waste.
You Will Have Experience In:
- Operating within a chemistry laboratory and working to health and safety processes.
- A strong appreciation of the importance of health and safety.
- An ambitious, hard-working demeanour and willingness to work with others across different fields.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- A willingness to get involved in hands-on work, maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
- An ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team.
- A desire to learn on the job and further develop their personal and professional skills.
Dstl will provide you full training on Dstl practices, processes and ways of working to enable you to confidently fulfil the post. You will also have the opportunity to work in unique environments, with friendly scientists who are delivering work for the benefit of wider UK defence and security.
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.
- This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.
Behaviours We’ll assess you against during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Alongside your salary of £23,892, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £6,921 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Benefits:
- An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution.
- Flexible working options including alternative working patterns.
- Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays.
- Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay.
- Access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree).
- Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
Selection process details:
- Sifting will take place week commencing the w/c 16th June 2025 with interviews to be arranged from the 30th June 2025.
- At the application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV.
Contact point for applicants:
Name: Dstl Recruitment Team
Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Synthetic Chemist Research Technician (Chemistry & Energetics) employer: Dstl
Contact Detail:
Dstl Recruiting Team
dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Synthetic Chemist Research Technician (Chemistry & Energetics)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in energetic materials research. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of synthetic chemistry. Attend relevant workshops or seminars, and connect with current employees at Dstl on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider insights and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety standards in your discussions. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you prioritised safety in laboratory settings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork skills by discussing past collaborative projects. Highlight how you contributed to achieving objectives in a team environment, as this role requires effective collaboration with colleagues across different fields.
We think you need these skills to ace Synthetic Chemist Research Technician (Chemistry & Energetics)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in chemistry laboratories and your understanding of health and safety processes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements related to the role.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: In your personal statement, express your passion for chemistry and energetic materials research. Highlight your teamwork abilities and willingness to learn, as these are key attributes for the position.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your communication and problem-solving skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've worked effectively in a team and maintained high standards in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Carefully read the job description and ensure you address all required competencies and behaviours in your application. This will show that you understand the role and are serious about your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Show Your Passion for Chemistry
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for chemistry and energetic materials during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your passion and knowledge in this field.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols in a laboratory setting. Mention any specific training or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires collaboration with others, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and contribute to achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will assess your behaviours, so practice answering questions related to managing quality service, delivering at pace, and influencing others. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
