Analytical Chemistry Deputy Technical Manager

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 Analytical Chemistry with Dstl! Are you ready to make a real impact on national security and forensic science? At the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), we lead the way in analytical chemistry for chemical warfare agents, ensuring rigorous identification, quantification, and attribution at the highest levels. As an Analytical Chemistry Deputy Technical Manager, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining our world-class standards. You’ll spearhead quality assurance, uphold regulatory compliance, and ensure the integrity of our laboratory operations. From developing staff expertise and managing forensic security to preparing for UKAS surveillance visits, your leadership will directly shape the future of forensic science in the UK. If you thrive in a high-stakes environment and want to work alongside industry-leading experts on mission-critical projects, join us today! Your skills and dedication will help safeguard the nation. Take the next step—apply now and be part of something extraordinary!

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:

• Work with the Technical Manager, Quality Managers and Leadership Team to develop and implement validation and verification plans for movement of processes to a new location, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the Forensic Science Regulators Codes.
• Ensure that Analytical Chemistry conforms to the Information Security requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator.
• Support the Quality Manager in ensuring that the Quality System is complied with in the Analytical Chemistry Capability.
• Ensure that staff are suitably qualified and experienced to undertake research and analysis.
• Ensure equipment and reagents used throughout the laboratory conform to the requirements of the Quality System.
• Work with the Technical Manager and Quality Team to prepare for the annual UKAS surveillance visits and support in addressing and closing the Chemistry Technical Assessors findings.
• Address audit findings, implement corrective actions and investigate any non-conforming test work.
• Develop skills and understanding of others in technical management of an ISO/IEC 17025 quality system, to build resilience in quality assurance for the future.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A BSc degree in a chemistry related subject.

Desirable

• Auditor training.
• UKAS Laboratory Management training.

Essential Technical Skills

• Experience in analytical chemistry techniques.
• Experience of working within a quality system (i.e. ISO/IEC 17025).
• Evidence of being organised, proactive and good communication skills (i.e. oral, written form).
• The ability to manage own tasks and deliver to time and quality.
• Leadership experience and the ability to influence decision making.

Desirable

• Auditing processes and procedures.
• Broad range of computer skills.

Experience

Essential

• A background in Analytical Chemistry techniques (such as GC, LC and NMR).
• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 Quality system.
• Experience of planning and conducting method validations and understanding of Measurement of Uncertainty in analytical methods.
• A skilled communicator who is able to build and leverage networks effectively.
• Evidence of leadership skills and ability to influence others and decision making.

Desirable

• Familiarity with Forensic Scientific Regulator (FSR) Codes.
• Broader understanding of Information Security and data handling.
• Experience of working with reference chemicals.
• Experience with computer systems (hardware/software).

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 £37,769, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £10,941 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 and we will do all we can to support you.

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. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements

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

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.

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