At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in various labs, supporting national safety through scientific analysis.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to the Royal Navy's safety and operations.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £35,000, 25+ days holiday, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and STEM outreach activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic scientific environment.
- Qualifications: BSc (Hons) in Science, preferably Analytical Chemistry or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 49000 £ per year.
Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG
Onsite or Hybrid:
Programme title: Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Role ID: 66841
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 and gas analysis, to metallurgy 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?
This is a two-year programme that’s designed to give you a rich blend of practical learning and professional development. You’ll start with one or two six-month primary placements, followed by shorter, intensive placements lasting two to eight weeks.
Your final rotation will see you in a substantive role in the Reactor Chemistry department for six to eight months, where you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice. In this final placement, you’ll join a shift rota that includes days, backshifts and, depending on project needs, night and weekend work.
Every stage of the programme is carefully designed to develop your expertise and prepare you for a successful scientific career.
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 reactor chemistry training and have access to comprehensive training in radiation science and health and safety best practices.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be guided by a mentor and a supportive line manager, with dedicated support to gain chartered status and achieve your professional milestones.
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.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
- Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
- You’ll need a BSc (Hons) degree in a Science subject, preferably Analytical Chemistry, or in a related field such as Chemistry or Forensic Science.
- Many of our graduate 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 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.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Science and Analytical Chemistry programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Marine/Nuclear sector in Plymouth.
Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of the team that delivers critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Throughout your placements, you’ll have the chance to work in state-of-the-art laboratories as well as on-site across the dockyard, gaining hands-on experience in a wide variety of settings.
Every team and project offers something new to discover, and while Plymouth is your home base, there may be opportunities to broaden your experience in other locations as part of your programme.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Job Segment: Chemical Research, Analytics, Engineering, Management
Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme employer: Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
Join a leading employer in the Marine/Nuclear sector, where your scientific expertise will contribute directly to national safety at the Devonport Royal Dockyard. With a minimum starting salary of £35,000, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and professional development, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values growth and innovation. Experience hands-on training in state-of-the-art laboratories while enjoying flexible working options and opportunities for community engagement through STEM outreach.
Contact Details:
Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme
✨Dive Into Chemistry Fairs
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✨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.
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Science and Analytical Chemistry Graduate Programme
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 Mission Critical Services España SA.. 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 Mission Critical Services España SA.
✨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 Mission Critical Services España SA..
✨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 Mission Critical Services España SA.. 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.
