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- Tasks: Conduct chemical analysis and testing on Royal Navy vessels to ensure safety and compliance.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence and engineering, dedicated to creating a secure world.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, matched pension contributions, and access to health consultations.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in naval safety and operational readiness.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline and a full UK Driving Licence required.
- Other info: Opportunities for further education sponsorship and flexible working arrangements available.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Title: Assistant Scientist
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: £38,084 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF66656
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as an Assistant Scientist at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As an Assistant Scientist, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. Join the Chemistry Department at Devonport Royal Dockyard, delivering essential scientific services that ensure safety, compliance, and operational readiness across all naval departments and vessels.
Day to day you’ll be conducting chemical analysis and testing onboard Royal Navy warships and submarines and also allow us to maintain the high standards required in a UKAS accredited laboratory by:
- Ensure laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, maintaining quality and technical standards
- Sample compressed air systems (low/high pressure) to support operational safety
- Perform FTIR analysis of breathing air to meet BS EN 12021 health and safety specifications
- Conducting asbestos analysis with P401 and P403 qualifications for accurate detection.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Occasional weekend work may be required to meet project demands or support critical milestones.
Essential experience of the Assistant Scientist
- Experience in engineering, chemistry, or related technical fields is highly desirable
- Proficient with standard software for data entry, reporting, and communication
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and convey technical information clearly
- Demonstrates initiative and can efficiently prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including regular work onboard vessels for maintenance duties’
Qualifications for the Assistant Scientist
- Level 3 qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline essential
- Full UK Driving Licence required
- All training, including relevant asbestos qualifications will be provided
- There will be opportunity for the candidate to be sponsored through relevant further education to enable progression towards a Scientist grade role.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What we offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day\’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Babcock International
For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 26/08/2025
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Assistant Scientist employer: Babcock International
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, as this is crucial for maintaining quality in the laboratory. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in the role but also impress the hiring team during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any hands-on experience you have with chemical analysis or testing, especially if it relates to naval operations or safety compliance. This practical knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in previous roles. The ability to convey technical information clearly is key in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your adaptability and prioritisation skills in a fast-paced environment. Prepare specific scenarios where you've demonstrated these abilities, as they are essential for the dynamic nature of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Scientist position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in engineering, chemistry, or related fields. Emphasise your proficiency with data entry software and any previous laboratory work that demonstrates your technical skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for science and your ability to work in a team. Mention specific examples of how you have demonstrated initiative and prioritised tasks in fast-paced environments.
Highlight Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your Level 3 qualification in a scientific or engineering discipline and mention your full UK Driving Licence. If you have any relevant asbestos qualifications, be sure to include those as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience in engineering, chemistry, or related fields during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or analyses you've conducted, especially those that align with the role's requirements, such as FTIR analysis or asbestos testing.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
Since the role requires collaboration across teams, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated technical information in the past. This could include experiences where you worked with diverse teams or explained complex concepts to non-technical colleagues.
✨Emphasise Your Initiative and Adaptability
The Assistant Scientist position is dynamic and fast-paced, so it's important to convey your ability to prioritise tasks efficiently. Share instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or adapt to changing circumstances in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Since this role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, be ready to discuss your background and any factors that may affect your eligibility. Familiarise yourself with the security vetting process and be honest about your history to build trust with the interviewers.
