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- Tasks: Join our Analytical Chemistry team to support critical UK defence projects and conduct hands-on research.
- Company: Dstl is a leading organisation in defence science, dedicated to national security and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while gaining valuable lab experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A passion for analytical chemistry and a detail-oriented mindset are essential for this role.
- Other info: This position requires UK nationality and the ability to obtain security clearance.
The predicted salary is between 18800 - 26600 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Trainee Analytical Chemist role at Dstl. You will be expected to attend site at least 80% of your time. Travel to other Dstl sites and some travel to various MOD, Government and partner/supplier locations is likely to be required.
Job Summary
Are you passionate about science and eager to apply your skills to critical UK defence and security projects? The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is looking for self-motivated individuals to join our Analytical Chemistry team, where you'll play a key role in high-impact research and development. This hands-on opportunity will allow you to learn on the job, gaining valuable experience in cutting-edge laboratory techniques that support defence and security capabilities. Working within our ISO/IEC 17025 quality system, you'll receive specialist training to work safely and securely while contributing to essential national and international programmes.
What You'll Do
- Work in a secure and regulated laboratory environment, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Support critical chemical analysis for threat assessment and physical protection programmes.
- Maintain laboratory accreditation standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 compliance.
- Conduct stock audits, manage consumables, and oversee safe chemical disposal.
- Assist with instrument maintenance, sample preparation, and analysis.
- Develop expertise in working with specialist chemicals and solvents.
- Receive ongoing professional development, including external and in-house training.
What We’re Looking For
- A keen interest in analytical chemistry and laboratory research.
- A methodical and detail-oriented approach to scientific work.
- A commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
- Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to a high-performing team.
Join us at Dstl and help shape the future of UK defence and security science. Apply now and start your journey towards impactful, innovative research!
In This Role You Will
- Work safely and securely in our laboratories, adhering to H&S regulations and good lab practice.
- Understand the importance of working within a quality system (ISO/IEC17025:2017) ensuring clear audit trails are maintained.
- Ensure specific activities related to ISO/IEC17025 accreditation and regulatory compliance are completed as scheduled e.g. recording fridge temperatures and balance calibrations and ensuring information is recorded accurately.
- Adhere to process and procedure, identifying and communicating anomalies to the Technical Managers.
Person Specification
- Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work; must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others.
- Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example.
- Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports.
- Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management.
- Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
- Implement Dstl's policies and ensure compliance with the Management System.
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.
Individuals within Dstl who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
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
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.
- Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours.
- Working hours: Flexibility around your working day.
- 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.
- Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7.
- Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. At the application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV. Interview will be assessing your skills, experience and the behaviours stated above.
Sifting will take place week on a rolling basis. Interviews to be arranged w/c 21st, 28th & 4th August 2025.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
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 sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact: Dstl Recruitment Team Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Trainee Analytical Chemist employer: Dstl
Contact Detail:
Dstl Recruiting Team
dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Analytical Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, as this is crucial for the role. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase any hands-on laboratory experience you have, especially with analytical techniques. If you've worked with specific chemicals or instruments mentioned in the job description, be ready to discuss your experiences in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to teamwork and collaboration. Dstl values individuals who can work well within a team, so think of examples where you've successfully contributed to group projects or initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Dstl's current projects and initiatives related to defence and security. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview and show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Analytical Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in analytical chemistry and laboratory work. Emphasise any hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, compliance with quality systems like ISO/IEC 17025, and your commitment to safety and regulatory standards.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: In your personal statement, express your passion for science and analytical chemistry. Discuss specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your methodical approach and attention to detail, as well as your enthusiasm for contributing to a high-performing team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline skills that align with the job description, such as chemical analysis, stock management, and instrument maintenance. Mention any training or certifications you have that relate to laboratory safety and compliance.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Since the selection process will assess behaviours like working together and managing a quality service, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase these qualities. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated in teams and ensured quality in your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Show Your Passion for Analytical Chemistry
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for analytical chemistry during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest and commitment to the field, as this role requires a genuine passion for science.
✨Understand ISO/IEC 17025 Standards
Familiarise yourself with the ISO/IEC 17025 quality system, as it is crucial for this position. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain clear audit trails in a laboratory setting.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role involves critical chemical analysis and maintaining laboratory accreditation standards, showcase your methodical approach to work. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed details in previous projects or studies.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to work collaboratively, deliver results under pressure, and manage quality services. Think of specific instances from your past experiences that demonstrate these behaviours, as they will be key in the selection process.
