At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in Chemistry and Radiochemistry at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in national safety and innovative science solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive colleagues, and potential for graduate programme placement.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national safety while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a science-based degree with a focus on Chemistry.
The predicted salary is between 24833 - 30351 £ per year.
Programme title: Science and Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Placement Year
Salary: £26,800 pro rata
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74754
What you’ll do
Welcome to a world where your science skills have a direct impact on national safety. During this undergraduate placement year, you’ll work within Devonport Royal Dockyard’s UKAS-accredited laboratories, specialising in Chemistry and Radiochemistry.
Here, you’ll receive training and gain experience in areas such as water chemistry, oils chemistry, confined space testing and radionuclide analysis. You’ll also develop practical expertise using specialist equipment, applying chemical analysis to help ensure the safe operation of Royal Navy vessels.
Some days, you’ll be in the laboratory, learning and applying core scientific techniques. On others, you’ll be out in the dockyard, gaining a broader understanding of our operations and how your work supports them.
Throughout the programme, you’ll build your technical skills, discover your strengths, and take meaningful steps towards shaping your future in science.
What you’ll get out of it
Our placements are about more than work experience – they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you up for your future career. You’ll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way.
We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what’s right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme – your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.
What you’ll need
You’ll need to be studying towards an undergraduate degree in a science-based subject. Degrees with Chemistry, Chemical, Environmental, or Science/Sciences in the title are acceptable. 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. You should live within a commutable distance or be willing to relocate. A valid driving licence is preferable, 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. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
Application process and important information
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. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
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.
Science and Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Placement Year 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science and Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Placement Year
✨Dive Into Chemistry Fairs
Get yourself to chemistry job fairs and networking events – they're goldmines for placements! Talk to professionals, hand out your CV, and show off your passion. You never know who might be looking for their next intern!
✨Join Chemistry Societies
Become a member of chemistry societies or student organisations. These communities often share exclusive placement opportunities and even organise talks and workshops with industry professionals, making it a perfect way to boost your visibility.
✨Leverage Your University Career Service
Don’t forget about your uni's career service! They often have connections with local companies looking for placement candidates. Plus, they can help you with tips and mock interviews tailored to the chemistry industry.
✨Make It Known You’re Looking
Shout it from the rooftops that you’re looking for a placement! Talk to your professors, or post on social media. Engaging your network could lead to hidden opportunities at companies like Babcock International that might be right around the corner.
We think you need these skills to ace Science and Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate Placement Year
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Laboratory Experience:For a chemistry placement, it's crucial to showcase any lab experience you’ve gained during your studies or previous internships. Mention specific techniques you're familiar with, like titrations or chromatography, and any relevant projects that demonstrate your hands-on skills.
Tailor Your CV with Key Modules:When crafting your CV, focus on the modules or coursework relevant to the role. Mention any advanced topics you’ve tackled, such as organic chemistry or materials science, and relate them to the placement to show your genuine interest in the field.
Engage Your Passion in the Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express why you're keen on this chemistry placement at Babcock International. Share your motivations for studying chemistry, any relevant extracurricular activities, and what you hope to learn during the placement—this will make you stand out!
Show Off Any Relevant Certifications:If you've completed any certifications, like health and safety training or lab techniques courses, make sure to mention them in your application. These can really elevate your profile and show that you're committed to maintaining high standards in a lab environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Get the Lowdown on Lab Equipment
Make sure you’re clued up on the key lab techniques and equipment relevant to the role. This could mean knowing your way around titration methods, chromatography, or spectroscopy. It’s all about showcasing that you’ve got the know-how to jump straight into the lab at Babcock International.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to tackle some hypothetical scenarios or practical problems during the interview. They might pose a chemistry-related puzzle or experiment setup and ask how you'd approach it. Brush up on your analytical thinking - it’s a biggie in chemistry placements.
✨Highlight Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is a placement, they’ll want to see your motivation and passion for chemistry. Make sure to share examples of how you've pursued learning opportunities, whether through classes, projects, or personal experiments. Let’s show them that you’re not just about the theory!
✨Know Your Research
Dive into any recent projects or research done by Babcock International. Being able to chat about their current work or the latest advancements in chemistry can really set you apart. It’s a great way to demonstrate genuine interest and show that you’ve done your homework.
