*Your starting salary will be at least £35,000, with the final amount based on your role, location, and qualifications.
Location
Oct 20, 2026
Applications may close sooner than advertised if interest is high.
Sep 1, 2027
Start dates will be staggered from 1st September 2027. We’ll confirm your exact start date during onboarding.
What will you do on the programme?
Welcome to a world where your science skills have a direct impact on national safety. As a graduate on this programme, you’ll spend time working in a variety of laboratories around Devonport Royal Dockyard, each specialising in different disciplines – from confined space testing, environmental testing and analysis of radionuclides to familiarisation with metallurgical techniques and nucleonic calibrations.
You’ll get practical experience collecting samples, using specialist equipment and applying wet chemical analysis to support the safe operation of the Royal Navy’s vessels.
Some days, you’ll work in the lab, learning and applying scientific techniques. Other days, you’ll go out into the dockyard to collect samples, helping protect people and the environment. Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your skills, find your strengths, and shape your future in science.
How is the programme structured?
Over two years, you’ll rotate across different teams, gaining experience while supporting a range of projects and teams. As you develop your technical expertise and understanding of chemical sciences, you’ll gradually take on more complex tasks and greater responsibility, contributing directly to the safe operation of the dockyard.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have built a strong foundation of experience, developed valuable professional relationships, and gained the skills and confidence to take the next step in your scientific career with us.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.
You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
Alongside this, you’ll follow a tailored personal development plan focused on scientist training, with access to comprehensive training in chemistry as well as health and safety best practices.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be guided by a mentor and a supportive line manager. To support your journey toward Chartered Chemist status, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.
What’s waiting for you after the programme?
Upon completing the programme, you’ll transition into a permanent role within the Chemistry or Reactor Chemistry department. As part of our friendly and supportive team, your work will help to protect national assets, people and the environment. Working patterns may vary and will include shift and weekend working to support business needs.
From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.
What rewards and benefits will you get?
We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.
- You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BSc (Hons) degree in a science subject. Chemistry, chemical, or environmental science based degrees are preferable.
- You should be comfortable working in a range of operational environments, which may include working at height, within confined spaces, and in radiological areas. Full training and safety support will be provided.
- This is a site-based programme involving shifts, so you’ll need to be able to reliably travel to site, including for early, late or weekend shifts. You should live within a commutable distance or be willing to relocate.
- A valid driving licence is required, as you may be required to transport radiological materials.
- Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels –GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
Where will you be based?
Places on our Science and Analytical Chemistry programme for Autumn 2027 are available in our Marine/Nuclear sector in Plymouth. We ask our graduates to be flexible as there is the potential to undertake placements in other locations during their programme.
Current openings in Science and Analytical Chemistry
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised.
Check out some of our other, related programmes. Whatever graduate programme you choose, you’ll get the chance to make a real impact.
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Science and Analytical Chemistry in Plymouth employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and career development, offering a flexible hybrid working environment in the UK. With generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, professional fee coverage, and unique initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, Babcock fosters a supportive and inclusive culture where employees can thrive while contributing to vital national security projects.
