At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide scientific support and training to emergency services and industrial clients.
- Company: Join Bureau Veritas, a global leader in safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join an award-winning team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Chemistry degree preferred; strong organisation and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Salary: Dependant on experience + car or car allowance + fantastic benefits package including private healthcare.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated, self-sufficient scientist to join our Fire Science Team at Bureau Veritas.
The key focus of this role is to provide high quality scientific support and training delivery to key clients including the emergency services and industrial sector.
The successful candidate will gain the necessary skills to fulfil the role of Scientific Adviser to the London Fire Brigade and other UK Fire and Rescue Services, eventually joining a 24/7-365, out-of-hours on call rota.
This is a unique and crucial role which includes attending Fire Brigade incidents anywhere in the Greater London area upon request to provide specialist scientific support.
This will occasionally involve emergency response driving for which training will be provided.
This role offers the chance to join an influential team within a truly global organisation.
With a competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and structured development programme from an award-winning employer.
Responsibilities will include
- Providing scientific advice on all aspects of Fire Service incidents involving hazardous materials.
Including planning and policy, selection and use of PPE, the deployment and maintenance of monitoring equipment, decontamination of personnel and equipment and liaison with other agencies.
- The investigation of the causes and spread of fires both on site and in the laboratory working alongside specialist Fire Service personnel.
- Investigating the causes of accidents and equipment failures as part of a multidisciplinary team to drive improvements in safety.
- Provision of technical training to Fire Services and other clients covering a variety of relevant scientific disciplines and specialist subjects.
- Preparation and delivery of scientific reports in fulfilment of all services provided including production of witness statements and briefing documents.
- Continuous professional development of skills and capabilities.
Candidate requirements include
- Excellent organisation and planning skills & strong attention to detail with ability to multi-task and prioritise.
- A focus on exceptional customer service.
- Ability to organise work and produce technical reports.
- Ability to manage operational and commercial issues.
- Existing knowledge & capability regarding the characteristics & properties of hazardous materials (including radionuclides) and their interactions with each other and the environment.
- Experience with use and application of a range of detection, identification and monitoring equipment to determine the identity of unknown substances and the levels present in an area where relevant.
- Experience investigating the causes of fires would be desirable.
- Willingness to engage in continuous professional development associated with all aspects of the department’s work.
This may require development of entirely new skillsets.
- Confident presenter able to develop capacity to prepare and present technical training to audiences with a range of technical ability.
Ability to research new subjects and prepare technical presentations working effectively to tight deadlines.
- Physically fit and able to work in challenging environments including the ability to wear Fire Brigade PPE including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Gas Tight Chemical Protection Suits [Training for this will be provided].
- Self-motivated and adaptable with significant personal resilience.
- Organised & methodical with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Computer literate in standard Microsoft office suite.
Qualifications Required
- A Chemistry degree is preferred but consideration may be given to other scientific subjects which include a chemical aspect, or to relevant field-experience.
- Membership of an appropriate professional body would be preferred.
- A-levels or equivalent in science subjects.
- GCSEs or equivalent– including Mathematics, Sciences and English.
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training or equivalent is desirable.
- Full UK driving license.
What's in it for you?
- Excellent career development and progression opportunities
- Working for an employer with a long list of awards recognition including Top Employer for nine years in a row and continued success in the Ro SPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.
- Working to make a tangible difference to the safety of both emergency service personnel (particularly the Fire Service) and the public.
Plus
- 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays with the option to buy or sell 5 days, plus an option to carry over 5 days.
- Combined employee/employer pension contributions of up to 12%
- Some ability for Flexible/Home Working, although primarily lab based.
- Flexible benefits scheme, to suit what is important to you including Life Cover, Private health care, Dental Care, Gym Flex, Tec scheme, Enhanced Maternity/Paternity policy, Give as You Earn scheme & Travel Insurance
- Health and Wellbeing Support through; Mental Health First aiders, Employee Assistance programme & Smart Health services.
Scientific Adviser in London employer: Benelux
Bureau Veritas is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic laboratory environment in Witham. With competitive salaries, a generous holiday allowance, and enhanced pension contributions, we foster a culture of teamwork and precision, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to high-quality operations. Join us to gain invaluable hands-on experience and be part of a globally recognised organisation committed to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Adviser in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Benelux, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Benelux. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Adviser in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Benelux. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Benelux. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Benelux
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Benelux. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Benelux to drive research projects forward.