Analytical Chemist – Biomedical/Biotoxin Analyst

You will be expected to attend site at least 80% of your time. Travel to other Dstl sites and some travel to various MOD, Government and partner/supplier locations is likely to be required.

Job Summary

Shape the future of biomedical and biotoxin analysis with Dstl. We’re looking for a self-motivated analytical chemist to lead groundbreaking research, develop novel methodologies, and validate cutting-edge techniques for real-world sample analysis. You’ll contribute to national and international proficiency testing, ensuring technical excellence in a high-impact, operationally critical environment. As part of our on-call rota, you’ll respond to urgent analytical requirements that safeguard UK defence and security. Dstl provides expert training to ensure safe, secure operations within an ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory. Be part of a team at the forefront of science—apply today.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job Description

In this role you will:

• Use a range of analytical chemistry instrumentation including gas and liquid chromatography with various detectors and be able to perform maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Provide timely technical support to laboratory based research, analysis and evaluation of novel methodologies to help inform customer decision-making.
• Receive training on the analysis of samples using accredited methods, participate in QCs and annual proficiency testing schemes.
• Analyse real world environmental and/or biomedical samples.
• Be required to work outside of normal working hours/patterns (e.g. evenings, weekends) as part of an on-call rota system.
• Develop safety cases for laboratory based methodologies that meet appropriate health and safety legislation and standards.
• Develop technical project proposals to meet customer requirements.
• Undertake R&D method validations including planning, experimental and reporting.
• Network with specialists internal and external to Dstl to seek out developments in related technical areas and use these networks to boost innovation.
• Maintain continual professional development through attending conferences and courses where required.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A BSc degree in a chemistry related subject.

Desirable

• Industrial/work experience in analytical chemistry.

Technical Skills

Essential

• Current practical experience in the use of gas chromatography (various detectors i.e. MS, FPD, NPD) and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of small molecules and/or peptides.
• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, including appropriate handling of chemicals and samples as specified within Risk Assessments.
• Understanding of COSHH and Risk Assessments and implementing safeguards for work as stipulated.

Desirable

• Experience in handling Acute Toxicity Category 1 material.
• Able to undertake routine user maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Experience

Essential

• Practical experience in the use of gas chromatography (various detectors i.e. MS, FPD, NPD) and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of small molecules and/or peptides.
• Experience in sample preparation methods.
• Effective time management and ability to deliver at pace.
• Proactive in their approach to work, being able to work flexibly, independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience in handling Acute Toxicity Category 1 material.
• Experience of working within a quality system.

Safety at Dstl

• Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work.
• Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy.
• Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example.
• Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports.
• Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management.
• Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
• Implement Dstl's policies and ensure compliance with the Management System.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Individuals within DSTL who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Alongside your salary of £29,001, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £8,401 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution.
• In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers.
• Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours.
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day.
• Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid.
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree).
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. At the application stage we will be assessing the Personal Statement and CV. Interview will be assessing your skills, experience and the behaviours stated above.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so if at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team.

Sifting will take place week on a rolling basis. This will commence from the 25th June 2025, continuing until the 13th July. Interviews to be arranged w/c 21st, 28th & 4th August 2025. Interview will include a tour and will last approx 1.5 hours. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only. This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.

Contact point for applicants:

Job Contact

Name: Dstl Recruitment Team

Email: dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk